Nassau County Executive Laura Curran hoping to throw a Game 5 watch party for Islanders
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran hands out Islanders tee shirts as she hosts an official "Islanders Day" Rally and Dome-Lighting at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola on Oct. 3, 2019. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
New York State is opening up, and both Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and the Nassau County Legislature are hoping that leads to a public viewing party for a potential Game 5 of the Islanders’ NHL semifinal series against the Lightning.
"We’ve been talking about this conceptually for a while," Curran told Newsday on Tuesday. "We discussed it last year when the Islanders were doing well. This year, I’m talking to the Islanders, we’re in pretty close communication. Let’s get to a Game 5. But, if we do, I’m hopeful we can have the best fans in the world be able to watch the away game together."
Game 5, if necessary in the best-of-seven series, would be back in Tampa on Monday.
While Eisenhower Park in East Meadow could be a candidate to host a viewing party, a source told Newsday that Nassau Coliseum might be the more likely venue.
Either way, Curran said they are waiting for final approval to hold the event.
Both Curran’s office and the Nassau County Legislature have independently been in touch with Islanders ownership, advocating for a public viewing party.
"I think we all share the goal of having something for the fans," Curran said. "I’m happy we’re doing this and combining our energies to get this done."
Legis. Bill Gaylor (R-Lynbrook) added: "The legislative majority looks forward to hearing back from Islanders leadership and stands ready to help to facilitate this exciting event in any way we can."
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
