Billy Joel playing to a sell-out crowd at the opening of the newly renovated Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
When Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum closed in August 2015, Long Island native Billy Joel gave the beloved venue a rousing sendoff. Almost two years later on April 5, 2017, the Piano Man was on hand once more to christen the newly renovated arena. Joel’s three-hour performance was his thirty-third concert at the Coliseum, and he played 33 songs to mark the occasion.
Billy Joel at the opening of the renovated Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
“Our sold-out show from legendary Long Islander Billy Joel on April 5 was a historic moment for the Coliseum,” said Nick Vaerewyck, senior director of programming for NYCB LIVE, home of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. “The energy in the building was electric, and we are proud to be able to show fans the hard work that has gone into renovating the venue over the past 20 months. We are looking forward to the great programming lined up at the Coliseum in the coming weeks, including Metallica and the final Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performances ever.”
Since the arena’s reopening, there has been a major event almost every night. Stevie Nicks, Idina Menzel and Marc Anthony entertained audiences over the last week and, on April 10, the Coliseum played host to WWE Monday Night Raw. Upcoming visitors include the Harlem Globetrotters, Def Leppard and The Weeknd. In May, the Coliseum will also host the last hurrah of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A full list of events is available below.
First opened in 1972, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is located in Uniondale on Long Island. Until 1977, the arena served as the home of the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association (and later of the National Basketball Association). The coliseum also provided home ice advantage to the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders up until 2015. Beginning with the 2017-2018 season, the venue will become home court for the Long Island Nets, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets.
Over the last two years, the 416,000-square-foot coliseum underwent $165 million of exterior and interior renovations. The original building was constructed at a cost of $32 million ($186 million when adjusting for inflation).
Exterior of Nassau Veterans Memorial Colisuem.
Designed by SHoP Architects, the renovated building’s intricate aluminum fin façade pays homage to Long Island’s history as the birthplace of the aviation industry. In total, the 960 fins are comprised of 4,654 unique segments. Meanwhile, the venue’s skin evokes iconic imagery including Long Island’s sand dunes and boardwalks. An astounding 50,000 square feet of terrazzo flooring, 52,000 square feet of tile, and 10,000 gallons of paint were used for the project.
Gensler served as the architect for the venue’s interior renovation. A redesigned main entrance, all new seating, and revamped concessions and bathrooms will enhance the guest experience. From a sustainability perspective, the building stepped into modernity with the installation of LED lights, new windows and doors (to improve thermal performance), and waterless urinals. Fans will also enjoy access to high-speed Wi-Fi, improved cellular service for all major carriers, and an enlarged high-definition LED scoreboard.
The Artist’s Quarters presented by Apollo Jets are private and separate from the press and production areas, granting visiting performers an intimate experience and respite from the chaos of the tour. Accommodations include a Residential Style Suite, available in a Manhattan Modern or Hamptons Chic theme; a Wellness Room and Fitness Center; an Artist Living Room and a Promoter’s Lounge.
Premium areas at Nassau Coliseum include a 4,152-square-foot VIP club, featuring two large bars; high-top tables; banquette seating, and a four-acre outdoor plaza, which will be used for events and festivals. Additionally, the Blue Moon Beer Garden on the main concourse will feature expanded food and beverage selections, such as Umberto’s Pizza, which will have a large wood-burning pizza oven. Through the Long Island Taste program (patterned after Barclays Center’s Brooklyn Taste), Nassau Coliseum will offer authentic food and beverage from local restaurants and vendors.
The Coliseum can accommodate mid-size audiences for a variety of events.
• Concerts: up to 16,000
• Basketball: 14,500
• MMA/Boxing: 14,500
• Hockey: 13,900
• Theater: 4,500
There are also eight designated seats that will remain unused at all times to honor Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action; the five branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard); first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical service members; and those who lost their lives on Sept.11, 2001, including more than 500 Long Islanders.
The Veterans Memorial, a dark granite oval on the southeast corner of the plaza, features water flowing along its surface, with a monument emerging at the center where National Guard honors the veterans with an eternal flame.
It’s been a long wait, but the gorgeous venue has been restored to its glory. Nassau Coliseum will undoubtedly rejuvenate Long Island as an iconic social and cultural hub. In the words of Billy Joel, “she’s got a way about her.”
Upcoming Events include:
• Def Leppard, April 15
• Monster Jam Series, 4 events, April 21, 22 & 23
• Barbra Streisand , May 4
• Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, May 12-15, May 19-21
• Metallica, May 17
• Barry Manilow, May 25
• The Weeknd, June 3
• Maxwell, June 10
• New Kids on the Block with Paula Abdul, July 7
• J. Cole, Aug. 5
• Roger Waters, co-founder of the rock band Pink Floyd, Sept. 15 & 16
• Professional Bull Riders: Built Ford Tough Series, Sept. 23 & 24
• Bruno Mars, Oct. 5
• Stony Brook vs. Maryland, Nov. 11
• Villanova vs. Hofstra on Dec. 22
• MAAC College Basketball Tripleheader on Jan. 27, 2018