Coliseum plan could spice Rangers-Islanders rivalry
The Islanders' Jack Hillen fights the Rangers' Brandon Dubinsky during a game late this season. (Mar. 31, 2011) Credit: Kevin P. Coughlin
Nassau County executive Ed Mangano is holding an 11 a.m. press conference Wednesday at the Coliseum on a plan to build a sports and entertainment "destination", presumably funded by a multi-million dollar bond referendum. The plan was suggested in his state of the county speech, and may also include a minor-league ballpark nearby and an Indian casino at Belmont Park.
Isles owner Charles Wang will be there, so it's safe to assume the complex would include a new rink, but not the all of the sprawling Lighthouse/housing elements that Wang sought but was denied.
The development, if funded, would take years to finish, but it's a very good sign that the Islanders will not be moved. Imagine that: A new Garden and a new rink for the Isles this decade.
Newsday and newsday. com will have much more on this down the road...
