Belmont Park Arena
Project name: Belmont Park ArenaProject location: Hempstead, NY
Project Cost: $1.2B
Jobs Created/Jobs retained: 3,179
Economic Impact: The Proposed Project would increase commercial investment in the immediate study area, drawing direct investment through building construction, enhanced retail activity and destination shopping, increased event-based economic activity, and office and community space activities. It would introduce new workers and visitors to the area, thereby increasing the area’s spending power and benefiting existing commercial establishments. The Proposed Project’s operations also would provide opportunities to utilize local material and services during construction and future operations of all businesses: retail, arena, hotel, and office. Finally, the Proposed Project would introduce new uses and amenities—such as on-site open space, dining and entertainment-oriented retail, and a hotel—that would be available to visitors to Belmont Park. These uses would complement The New York Racing Association (NYRA)’s operations and would further its goal of enhancing the destination value of Belmont Park.
Organizations involved in project:
Developer: Sterling Project Development
Architect: Populous
Engineer: Bohler
Geotechnical: Mueser Rutledge
Life Safety: Howe Engineers
Project Summary
Adjacent to the iconic Long Island racetrack, the $1.2 billion Belmont Park Arena and mixed-use development is delivering an exciting stadium complex for the New York Islanders and its deserving fans.
With a goal to bring the team home to Long Island for the 2021-2022 season, the project is on a tight schedule. With extensive coordination and a collaborative approach, the project team tackled life safety, complicated utility design, and an evolving site layout to keep the project moving forward.
Life Safety Design: To accommodate thousands of fans, the project team strategized efficient site access, building entrances, separate emergency responder access points, and space for emergency responders to set up and operate, without hindering an evacuation.
Creative Utility Design: Facing various utility design challenges, the team field-verified stormwater and utility systems using pipe cameras to confirm connection points. They also determined jurisdiction between both Nassau County and New York City. Working with an evolving layout, Bohler tackled the challenge of future-proofing the utility design for maximum flexibility.
Coordinating Construction: Keeping the site operational for two racing seasons, several high-profile horse races, and a year-round training program throughout construction was a challenge. The project team coordinated regularly with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and developed a plan to reduce disruption to the horses.
Through constant communication and a collaborative approach, Bohler successfully integrated designs for life safety, utility systems, and phased construction plans. Together, the project team created an opportunity to finally bring the Islanders home.