"Mayer was asked on SportsBash with Peter Schwartz about the possibility of the Islanders someday hosting an outdoor game at Belmont Park, adjacent to UBS Arena. Mayer's first response set the tone for how broadly - and seriously - the league approaches these discussions. "I don't think there's a venue in the United States or Canada that we haven't either looked at, seen, or has been discussed," he said, making clear that no potential site is dismissed out of hand."
"Belmont, specifically, is very much on the NHL's radar. "Of course, we've talked about Belmont," Mayer said, before pointing to the league's growing familiarity with the area through repeated visits to UBS Arena and the upcoming All-Star Game. That context matters. Outdoor games aren't standalone ideas; they are extensions of relationships, infrastructure, and confidence in a market's ability to host something massive."
"Mayer also made a point to credit John Collins, whose work with the Islanders and coordination with the New York Racing Association has helped keep the concept viable. Mayer called Collins "one of the most innovative, greatest businessmen ... in the business sports world," a strong endorsement that hints at why Belmont continues to be part of the conversation. The NHL's excitement around the All-Star Game at UBS Arena further reinforces the opportunity."
No outdoor game has been announced, but Belmont Park remains an actively considered option for an NHL outdoor event. The league has examined venues across the United States and Canada and has not dismissed any potential site. Belmont benefits from growing familiarity through repeated visits to UBS Arena and the upcoming All-Star Game. Strong local coordination, including work with John Collins and the New York Racing Association, helps keep the concept viable. Outdoor games function as extensions of relationships, existing infrastructure, and market confidence, reinforcing Belmont's candidacy for a large-scale hockey event.
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