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Islanders Drop the Puck on Inaugural Season in Brooklyn on Friday, October 9

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  08. October 2015

Brooklyn, NY - October 8, 2015 - The countdown to Opening Night in Brooklyn for the New York Islanders is on. A full slate of events is scheduled to begin today and continue through Friday when they face-off at 7:30 p.m. against the defending Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks at Barclays Center.

Today, Thursday, October 8:
Islanders players Brock Nelson and Nick Leddy will light the Empire State Building in blue and orange this evening, Thursday, October 8.

Friday, October 9:
6-7:30 p.m.:
Doors will open at Barclays Center at 6 p.m. with live mannequins on the Barclays Center Resorts World Casino NYC Plaza showcasing the latest Islanders merchandise.

At the Calvin Klein VIP Entrance, VIP guests will walk a blue carpet and have their photos taken with a commemorative Opening Night backdrop.

There will be a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit on the Barclays Center concourse, consisting of Islanders memorabilia dating from the famed Stanley Cup dynasty to today.  Artifacts will include the stick Mike Bossy used to score his 400th goal, John Tavares Team Canada jerseys from 2008-12, objects from current players’ youth, and more.

Also on the concourse, children can visit face painters and balloon makers. Fans can take pictures in a photo booth printing Islanders Opening Night photos, as well as against a commemorative backdrop complete with sticks and helmets as props for interactive photos.

Special Islanders-themed food will be served at concession stands throughout the venue, including blue and orange popcorn, cupcakes and more.

In addition, several Islanders legendary players will attend the game.

In-game and Post-game:
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. for a special opening night ceremony, including a tribute video in honor of recently passed coach Al Arbour and a historic ceremonial puck drop.

Singer/songwriter and New Yorker Alexa Ray Joel will take the ice to sing the national anthem, and following the game, Joel will become the first artist to play the venue’s new Billboard Lounge amplified by Lightpath, where she’ll perform on the Master & Dynamic Stage.

Friday night will be the debut of Kerri Schreiber, the Islanders’ new in-game host. Schreiber is a Long Island native who previously served as on-air talent during Islanders radio broadcasts on WHRU 88.7 FM.

Islanders fans will be welcomed by the familiar voice of public address announcer Roger Luce, and will hear the traditional sounds of the team’s organ and organist Paul Cartier.

Each fan will receive a magnetic Islanders schedule when entering the arena, and a commemorative opening night poster when they depart.

Fans are encouraged to post photos and follow along on social media throughout the night using #IslesOpeningNight. Fans can also follow NYIsles on Snapchat to participate in a scavenger hunt to win autographed Islanders gear and more.

A limited supply of tickets is still available online and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Fans that are unable to attend the game in Brooklyn can watch on MSG Network or listen to the Islanders Radio Network on WNYE 91.5 FM, WHRU 88.7 FM and WRCN 103.9 FM.

About Barclays Center:
Barclays Center opened on September 28, 2012, and is a major sports and entertainment venue in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. One of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed into a modern multi-purpose arena, Barclays Center offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

Barclays Center hosts an extensive variety of events, including premier concerts, major professional boxing cards, top college basketball, family shows, the Brooklyn Nets and, starting this season, the New York Islanders.

Barclays Center has redefined the arena customer service and culinary experience. Its more than 2,000 employees are trained by Disney Institute, the business advisory arm of The Walt Disney Company, and its BrooklynTaste™ food program features selections from 55 well-known restaurants and vendors in the borough. 

Barclays Center engages the customer with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the fan experience. As the first arena in the world to utilize Cisco StadiumVision mobile multicast streaming technology, Barclays Center allows fans to watch live video and instant replays from their mobile phones while connected to the arena’s free Wi-Fi.

Located atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City, Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road, and 11 bus lines.

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