As expected, the New York Islanders are partnering on a proposal for a site at Belmont Park that includes a plan for a new arena.
Thursday was the deadline for responses to a previously-issued request for proposal (RFP) from Empire State Development. In the months leading up to the deadline, it was expected that the Islanders would partner with Oak View Group and Sterling Project Development on a proposal that would include a new arena for the NHL franchise.
The proposal comes as the team looks for a replacement for its current home, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. It has been confirmed that the Islanders and their partners, under the name New York Arena Partners, LLC, are one of multiple parties to respond to the RFP. More from Newsday:
The Islanders said Thursday they have “submitted a comprehensive proposal to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination at Belmont Park.”
Two other known bidders also submitted plans as Thursday’s deadline closed for bidders to answer the Empire State Development’s request for proposals to develop the land around the Elmont racetrack.
It should be noted that the bid from the Islanders is not the only sports-related proposal in the mix. As was anticipated, MLS’ New York City FC partnered on a bid that includes a plan for a new soccer stadium, but the Belmont Park land is not believed to be the only option being eyed by the team. Empire State Development has not provided a timeline for when it will make its decision.
RELATED STORIES: New York Islanders Prepping for RFP on Belmont Park Site; Potential New York Islanders Arena Debated by Public; Barclays Center’s Design Not Expected to Change for Islanders; New York Islanders to Propose Belmont Park Arena; New York Islanders, Partners Pushing for Belmont Arena
