The NHL has never shied away from creativity when it comes to hosting its marquee outdoor games.
This season’s Winter Classic between the Rangers and Panthers was held in Miami, while the upcoming Stadium Series matchup between the Bruins and Lightning will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Next season, the Winter Classic is headed to Utah, with another Stadium Series game scheduled for Arlington, Texas.
So could an outdoor NHL game eventually come to Long Island?
While the Islanders have technically “hosted” the Rangers in Stadium Series games at Yankee Stadium in 2014 and MetLife Stadium in 2024, neither contest truly felt like a home game for the Isles. That could soon change.
With the new Belmont Park racetrack set to be completed this fall — just steps from UBS Arena — the venue could emerge as a potential site for an outdoor NHL game.
“Yes, we’ve looked and talked and are going to continue discussions about potential games there or other places,” said Steve Mayer, president of NHL events and content, during an interview on the SportsBash podcast. “We’re trying to be as innovative with these outdoor games and the future of them as possible. Belmont…sure, as a possibility for us to explore and to look at. I don’t think there’s a venue in the United States or Canada that we haven’t either looked at, seen or has been discussed.”
The NHL is already bringing a major event to Long Island, with All-Star Weekend set for UBS Arena in 2027. It will mark the first time the Islanders host the NHL All-Star Game since 1983, when it was held at Nassau Coliseum.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs construction continues at Belmont Park, the surrounding area has become increasingly fan-friendly. “The Park,” located next to UBS Arena, has developed into a popular pregame gathering spot, while Belmont Park Village — now open across Hempstead Turnpike — offers a growing retail destination.
Given the Islanders’ success both on and off the ice, league officials say it’s no surprise Long Island is being considered for an outdoor game.
“Of course we’ve talked about Belmont,” Mayer said. “We’re doing the All-Star Game at UBS, which we’re so excited about. It’s a long time coming. We’ve got some big plans that we’ll be announcing in the next months. Knowing what’s being built and how incredible that entire area will be once Belmont is completed, it’s just fantastic.”
If an outdoor game eventually comes to Belmont Park, Islanders co-owner John Collins could play a major role. Before joining the Islanders ownership group, Collins was an NHL executive and is credited with helping create the Winter Classic in 2008.
Not long after arriving on Long Island, Collins discussed the idea of outdoor hockey with New York Racing Association President and CEO David O’Rourke.
“Our first conversation was David pressing me to say how can we get the Winter Classic here,” Collins told Greater Long Island in January 2024. “I said we’ll work with you on that.”
Two years later, that conversation may prove to be the foundation for an Islanders outdoor game at the new Belmont Park.
“I think (Collins is) one of the most innovative and greatest businessmen, certainly out of the hockey world, but in the business of sports world he’s the man,” Mayer said.
Belmont Park may not have to wait for a Winter Classic to host hockey-related events. With the racetrack scheduled to open this fall and the All-Star Game arriving in February 2027, the site is expected to host several All-Star festivities.
“We’re really excited about how we’re going to integrate Belmont into the All-Star Game,” Mayer said. “That’s probably the first step of what we’re going to do with our fanfest. We’ll get creative when it comes to the All-Star Game. Look at that facility and look at what they’ve done. It’s so beautiful. We’ve been out there a few times and I think there’s going to be some really cool things that we’ll do.”
With the Islanders near the top of the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference — and buzz building around first overall pick Matthew Schaefer — the franchise has reestablished itself as a relevant on-ice contender. Combined with a first-class ownership group and a world-class home arena, the Islanders are once again drawing league-wide attention.
That resurgence could soon lead to a Winter Classic or Stadium Series game played just a slap shot away from UBS Arena at the new Belmont Park.
Islanders – Rangers Winter Classic 2024
Top photo: Renderings of the ‘new’ Belmont Park, courtesy of NYRA
