Final Steel Beam Raised at Islanders’ UBS Arena

The final steel beam was raised to the top of UBS Arena on Friday during a ceremony at Belmont Park.

The placing of the final beam is another significant milestone for the New York Islanders future home. UBS Arena is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2021-22 NHL season.

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Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman were on hand for the “Topping Off Ceremony.” Islanders alumni Butch Goring, John Tonelli and Clark Gillies were also on hand for the event.

OK #Isles fans, enjoy the view as the final @UBSArena upper ring beam is lowered into place. (The tree on the beam is an old tradition dating back centuries to Scandanavian countries where builders would try to appease spirits displaced during construction). @News12LI pic.twitter.com/f9oDZ5ZDL2

— Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) October 9, 2020

It was just over a year ago that the Islanders broke ground on the site next to the famed horse racing track. The arena is part of a larger development project that will include a hotel, shopping district and community space.

“Since that day last September the construction team has erected thousands of pieces of steel and poured over 27,000 cubic yards of concrete,” Ledecky said on Friday. “I am simply in awe of the work done by the men and women building UBS Arena. This will be our home, but it will always be your legacy.”

Construction on the arena was halted on March 27 as part of a statewide ban on nonessential construction during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed two months later, but did not have an impact on the completion date.

"There will be so many great nights here, so many great wins," said #Isles owner Jon Ledecky today on what to expect at @UBSArena. @islessignguy @Offside_Tavern @Bluelinedeli719 @OysterBayBrewin @rdel76 @islesfan808 @Islesfaninmtl @News12LI @K_Dexter pic.twitter.com/oc2cQzvYhi

— Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) October 9, 2020

“This represents a point of normalcy,” Bettman said. “It gives a hope and a prospect to focus on for a future that will be bright. What sports and arenas like this represent is people from diverse communities, diverse backgrounds all coming together in a common rooting sensation. A common goal of being together.  It’s what communities and society is all about together.

“This arena and the progress that’s been made is a beacon of hope that yes construction can continue during a difficult time. This represents what will be a return to normalcy for this area and nothing in a time like this can be more important.”