New York Islanders Could Be Moving To Brooklyn

[THUNDER HANDS]

A report in today's New York Sun says that the Islanders, who have played in Uniondale, LI's Nassau Coliseum since 1972 could be moving to Brooklyn to join the New Jersey Nets. If Charles Wang, the Isles owner, doesn't get a new Coliseum built, the team could move to the new Brooklyn arena, which will be built in 2009.

http://www.nysun.com/article/20326

Oy, this would be awful. I live 10 minutes from the Coliseum. I know its a barn, but it so cool to live so close to a major sports arena.

[Dissent Is Patriotic]

1. Are you an Isles fan?

I thought I was the only one on DU. What did you think of the Isles-Rangers game Tuesday night? How do you like the new rules?

[THUNDER HANDS]

2. I didn't see the game, but I read about it

I love the new rules. I think we've really built a good team that has a lot of speed and skill that can take advantage of the rules. I can see us challenging Philly for the division. But really, who knows, the league is so wide-open now.

I wish they would have eliminated the blue lines instead of the red lines, and I'm not wild about the shootout either. But overall I'm excited about the new season.

I think the best thing is that the game at the Coliseum drew 13,000 fans (the arena seats 16,000) and I don't think there will be that much a drag in attendance this year league-wide.

The Islanders will be a good young team. The Rangers, I think, will struggle. The Devils will be good too, but they're always good.

I can't wait for the season to begin.

[Ravenseye]

3. Wait

The New Jersey Nets are going to be playing in Brooklyn?

Um.

[THUNDER HANDS]

4. yes, in 2008-9

They're building a new arena and stuff in Brooklyn for the team. The owner is a real estate developer and the city granted him the rights to build his stadium and office complexes and housing units.

Its a done deal, essentially.

By 2009 they will be known as the Brooklyn Nets.

[devilgrrl]

5. What will the Isles be called if they move to Brooklyn?

:popcorn:

[THUNDER HANDS]

6. beats me

Interestingly enough, there was a report in Newsday today that said the team could also move to Suffolk County - more out east on Long Island.

And the Nets, when they move, might also change their name, another report said. I think the Nets might go back to the name they had when they were in the old ABA - the New Jersey Americans. Which is the reason their team colors are red, white and blue - or at least used to be before they added the gray.

[cobaindrain]

11. uhh, the New York Islanders

after all...Brooklyn is New York!

[THUNDER HANDS]

12. yeah, but its not Long Island

There's a reason they're called the Islanders.

[sabbat hunter]

13. last time i checked

you dont leave long island to get to brooklyn.

but i wouldnt believe a word that right wing rag the NY sun says. everything i have seen is that Charles Wang is going to develop the area around the coliseum in nassau and rebuilt the coliseum itself with his own money. only thing holding it back is if the big 'lighthouse' he wants will be accepted.



david

a isles fan from way back when

[Oreo]

7. The NY Jets and NY Giants play in NJ

I guess Jersey is returning the favor.

I thought the Nets were getting a new stadium in Newark? Are the Devils getting their own arena?

[Ravenseye]

8. Yeah But

Firstly I didnt' know they were changing their name. I thought they'd be playing in Brooklyn but still be named New Jersey.

Secondly, the Meadowlands is still part of the New York City metropolitan area. Texas Stadium is in Irving Texas, not Dallas...but they're still the Dallas Cowboys, becuase Irving is a suburb of Dallas. New Jersey, at least that part of New Jersey, is tightly within the sphere of influence of 'the city'.

So naming a team 'New York' is still valid in those locations while naming it 'New Jersey' is not.

Sort of how renaming the angels the LA Angels (of Anaheim) is also valid...just stupid and lame.

[THUNDER HANDS]

9. the stadium deal in Newark

fell through when the Nets were still owned by a bunch of different people. After Ratner bought the team he was dead set on transplanting the team in Brooklyn.

The Devils have worked out a deal to build an arena in Newark though, but I'm not sure when they're moving there.

[USA_1]

10. new stadium in Brooklyn?

where precisely will it be built?

link, please?

[sabbat hunter]

14. to be built

over the atlantic Avenue LIRR railroad yards. the nets will become the brooklyn nets.


http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2005/07/05/the_new_brooklyn.php