Islanders open training camp in Brooklyn

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Ratner and Yormark then led a media tour through the arena as players split up into two groups — each with its own ice time — and headed to their locker rooms.

The arena, Ratner noted, was built more vertically than horizontally to give spectators a feeling that they’re “right on top of the action.” “It’s probably going to be the most intimate view of any hockey fan…in the NHL,” he said.

Yormark was confident that Islanders fans would like the arena, despite it being built for National Basketball Association games — the arena is home to the Brooklyn Nets — and concerts. It was announced that the seating capacity for Islanders games would be 15,813. The Coliseum holds a little more than 16,000 people.

“Hockey fans from Long Island and Brooklyn will really enjoy this experience,” Yormark said.

Ratner said the arena offers many dining options, including the 40/40 Club, that were each carefully selected and are spread throughout the concourses. “Whether you’re sitting in the last seat or the first seat your experience should be the same,” Yormark added.

Islanders captain John Tavares, who was nominated for the National Hockey League’s Hart Trophy (most valuable player) last season, said he took the LIRR into Brooklyn to watch a Nets game last season and enjoyed the experience.

“We’re still part of Long Island,” he said of the team’s move, “and we know it’s not ideal but I think it’s going to work out pretty well, and it’s just going to be an adjustment for everybody.”

The Islanders second-to-last regular season in Nassau Coliseum gets underway in New Jersey on Oct. 4 and will be followed by the home opener on Oct. 5 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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