Attending a New York Islanders hockey game at UBS Arena can be an exciting experience for sports fans. However, with ticket prices, transportation, food and merchandise, the costs can add up quickly. This article will provide an overview of the different factors that contribute to the total cost of attending an Islanders home game in Elmont, NY.
Ticket Prices
The biggest expense is usually the ticket price. The Islanders offer different pricing tiers depending on seat location in UBS Arena:
- Lower bowl seats range from $90 on the corners to $425 for rows closer to the ice.
- Upper bowl seats start at around $40 for the corners and go up to $140 for center ice.
- Club seats with access to exclusive lounges run from $180 to over $600.
In addition, there are special premium seating options:
- The Hyde Club has seats right up against the glass starting at $375 per game.
- The 1922 Club seats on the lower bowl sideline are $250 to $350.
- Loft Suites for groups have food and beverage packages starting at $700 per person.
Tickets tend to be most expensive for rivalry matchups against the Rangers, Devils, and Flyers as well as weekend and playoff games. Preseason and less popular weekday games offer cheaper ticket prices.
Getting to the Game
Transportation costs are another consideration when budgeting for an Islanders game. UBS Arena is located at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY, which is not directly serviced by New York City subways and requires driving or taking the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Penn Station.
For fans driving to games, parking passes in the UBS Arena lots start at $25-30 per vehicle. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft will cost $40-60 each way from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Some Long Island hotels and restaurants also offer shuttle buses on game nights.
Taking the LIRR from Penn Station to the Elmont stop is the most direct public transit option. Roundtrip fares are around $20-25 per person. The arena is a short walk or shuttle ride from the train station. Travel time is usually 30-45 minutes each way depending on delays.
Food and Drinks
Eating at the game can easily tack on $30-60+ per person to the total costs. UBS Arena offers standard sports arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, fries, and chicken tenders at fairly steep prices:
Food Item | Price |
---|---|
Hot dog | $6 |
Cheeseburger | $14 |
Chicken tenders | $12 |
French fries | $6 |
12 oz beer | $12-14 |
20 oz soda | $6 |
There are nicer restaurant options like chicken and waffles, barbecue, and Italian food in the premium clubs and suites. But overall, food at Islanders games is expensive compared to eating outside the arena.
Merchandise
From jerseys and hats to pennants and programs, the team store at UBS Arena will tempt fans to open their wallets. Here are typical costs of popular Islanders gear:
- Replica jersey – $130
- T-shirt – $30
- Adjustable hat – $28
- Beanie – $25
- Game program – $12
Kids sizes and novelty items like pucks and keychains offer cheaper souvenir options in the $5-15 range. Supply and demand also affects costs, with merchandise like jerseys for star players or playoff gear often marked up higher.
Total Per Person Costs
Putting it all together, here are some sample budgets per person for different Islanders game experiences:
Game Experience | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Upper bowl ticket + LIRR transportation + 1 beer, 1 hot dog, 1 soda + 1 hat souvenir | $120-$150 |
Lower bowl ticket + parking + 2 beers, 1 burger, 1 soda + 1 t-shirt | $180-$220 |
Club seat + Uber/Lyft + club buffet dining + 1 replica jersey | $350-$450 |
These numbers provide a realistic idea of the full costs around attending a game, from the cheapest nosebleeds to a VIP luxury experience. Prices are usually highest for playoff and rival games.
Saving on Costs
There are ways to enjoy an Islanders game at UBS Arena for less:
- Purchase upper bowl or corner tickets – they offer the cheapest way in.
- Take the LIRR instead of driving – it’s cost effective for groups.
- Eat before or after – avoid arena food and prices.
- Bring a bottle of water – stay hydrated for less.
- Follow resale sites – prices drop below face value closer to the game.
- Go for giveaways – promo items like shirts or bobbleheads add value.
With the right planning and budget, catching an Islanders game can be a fun experience. But it’s important to account for all the costs involved when deciding on tickets and amenities. Prices vary widely depending on seat location, day of the week, opponents, and demand. Transportation, food, and shopping at the arena can also increase the total bill. Understanding the full costs allows fans to find the right balance to fit their budget.
Conclusion
Islanders games at the new UBS Arena provide an exciting hockey experience for New York sports fans. However, between variable ticket prices, transportation options, food, drinks, and merchandise, the total costs per person can range from around $100 up to several hundred dollars depending on the seating and amenities chosen. By knowing the estimated prices for different elements, fans can better plan their budget and find ways to optimize value, especially through transport and eating before or after the game. With strategic choices, Islanders fans can enjoyseeing the team in action at a reasonable price.