The Park, Its Rink Outside UBS Arena Set To Open Friday In Front Of Islanders Season

The opening of The Park at UBS Arena last season was incredible for New York Islanders fans.

Like at the old Nassau Coliseum, it gave fans a place to tailgate and spend quality time with one another before heading into the arena to watch a game.

With two ice rinks, lawn games, and an opportunity to watch Shannon Hogan and Thomas Hickey do their thing on the MSG pregame shows before puck drop, The Park was the place to be.

Related: Islanders Win First Stanley Award For 'The Park' At UBS Arena

Well, it's time to head back to The Park, as The Northwell Pond will re-open this Friday, Oct. 4, when the Islanders host the cross-town rival New York Rangers for their final preseason game.

“We’re committed to creating a vibrant outdoor pre-event experience, and The Park offers a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to enjoy the ice and celebrate the sport of hockey via our new games and activities,” said Janet Duch, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications for the New York Islanders and UBS Arena. “Northwell Pond’s early return to The Park further demonstrates the continued growth of Belmont Park as a dynamic destination for entertainment and community engagement.”

And there are some new things to know about.

Northwell Pond will remain open through February. Fans can pay $20 for a 90-minute skate session, and they can rent skates if they do not have their own.

There will also be a Skills Zone, where fans can try the Bullseye Battle, Accuracy Challenge, and Hardest Shot as the pros do at the All-Star Skills Competition.

On Oct. 5, there will be Learn To Play sessions for beginners, and on Oct. 6, season-ticket members can skat outdoors before heading into UBS for a members-only practice.

But wait, there's more:

• Slap Shot Booth: The slap shot booth allows you to sharpen your accuracy and have some friendly competitions with your friends.
• The Double Overtime Obstacle Challenge: This 45-foot obstacle course is for anyone up to the challenge.
• Center Ice Bounce: The traditional moon bounce is fun for kids of all ages. o Northwell Mini Golf: Play nine holes with your family and friends through November before rooting on the Islanders.
• Dunk Tank: Kids should get ready to make an all-foam splash.
• Penalty Box Photo Moment: Take a lasting instagrammable moment with family and friends.
• Heineken Beer Garden: The Beer Garden is adorned with twinkly lights, Solo Stove fire pits, and lawn games. Guests can warm up with hot chocolate or BYOB up to a 6-pack of cans per person.
• American Express Igloo Garden: Hospitality area featuring six 12-foot wide heated and furnished igloos for added comforts.
• Isles Lab Swag Shack: The Islanders will open a pop-up Isles Lab store, where guests can gear up or bundle up before game time with Islanders’ apparel.
• Food Trucks: Rotating food trucks will offer guests a diverse culinary experience at fan-friendly prices.

To learn more about The Park, head to https://www.theparkatubsarena.com/