UBS Arena

As architect of record, Populous developed the arena’s overall layout, seating bowl, event level spaces and location of suites and clubs. This 745,000-square-foot arena, designed for music and built for hockey can host 18,600 concert goers and 17,200 hockey fans.

To ensure concertgoers feel as welcome as hockey fans, Populous incorporated upscale finishes throughout the arena. The concourses feature artisan white subway tile to brighten the space, wood paneling and high-end light fixtures that radiate theatrical light to promote the premium experience.

Populous also designed the campuses for home and visiting teams and the star compound. This includes a space for performers, a green room, and artist and family lounges. Populous saw this space as an opportunity to broaden the premium experience by incorporating luxurious design detail through high quality finishes, spa-inspired bathrooms and illuminated mirrors.

Populous’ Brand Activation team established and strengthened the storytelling of UBS Arena, highlighting the rich history of Belmont Gardens, the New York Islanders and the unique features of the arena. Branding was designed for arena concessions, clubs and suites. Through collaboration with the arena’s sales/marketing team and stakeholders, partnerships were seamlessly incorporated into brand materials.

Populous designed the building navigation strategy, including the site and wayfinding signage throughout UBS Arena. Comprehensible and explicit wayfinding signage was designed using materials that took inspiration from Belmont Park’s history and New York City’s Central Park.

Populous partnered with Shawmut Design + Construction to deliver the design and build of Belmont Hall, located within UBS Arena. In this role, Populous led the project from concept to completion. This restaurant offers an Islanders-focused dining space with authentic art and interiors that reflect the long-standing brand of the Islanders. This sports bar features some of the most popular menu items from The Harrison, a beloved Floral Park restaurant.

Populous worked with London-based architecture and interiors practice Jump Studios, a Populous company, to design interiors at UBS Arena.

The scheme incorporates an eclectic range of food stands, bars and communal spaces that celebrate Metro New York and Belmont Park, including its famous neighboring racecourse. It provides a modern, 21st century experience for guests, while paying homage to a team and site steeped in history.

The design team’s desire to honor the past as fans journey through today’s arena is apparent from the outset. The arena’s entrance is inspired by Grand Central Station and Park Avenue Armory. As fans step into the Grand Hall, they are greeted by a feature ceiling resembling the night sky, with a mottled paint finish and embedded LEDs.

Moving into the main concourse, an articulated colonnade runs throughout the arena echoing the arches of Central Park, while tile designs inspired by the New York subway line the walls. The arena’s food offerings includes 18 market-style concessions based on the city’s colorful kiosks that are a feature throughout Belmont Park. The upper concourse bars draw upon elements of Metro New York’s industrial heritage as seen in the Brooklyn Bridge-inspired intricate cable work. Even the restrooms pay homage to the city with the signage employing the familiar font of the iconic New Yorker Magazine.

The scheme also celebrates the legacy of historical figures. Harriet’s Bar honours Harriet Quimby, the first U.S. woman to gain a pilot’s licence after an aviation tournament at Belmont Park sparked her interest. Eddie’s Bar celebrates Eddie D. Brown, who in 1870 became the first black jockey to win the Belmont Stakes riding ‘Kingfisher.’