UBS Arena Granted SAFETY Act Designation

UBS Arena, home to the New York Islanders in Elmont, has been granted the prestigious SAFETY Act Designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, making it the only arena in the New York metropolitan market to gain such status.

The designation is awarded for the arena’s efforts in providing safety and security measures that align with the Department’s anti-terrorism goals to keep the public at large safe, according to the announcement. It’s now one of four arenas in the United States to hold the designation. The 18,500-capacity, $1 billion venue, which opened in late 2021, was developed by and is operated by Oak View Group, parent company to Pollstar.

SAFETY, which stands for “Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies,” was established in 2002 as part of the Homeland Security Act. Designed to protect the private sector, the SAFETY Act provides protections for companies deploying effective anti-terrorism measures including venue security programs. The mission of this Act is to incentivize development and widespread deployment of effective anti-terrorism technologies that reduce risks to the Nation.

“We hold the safety of our guests, staff, athletes and artists in the highest regard. To have the Department of Homeland Security recognize the planning, investments and dedication that had been made since the inception of UBS Arena is an honor,” said Michael Sciortino, general manager of UBS Arena. “This designation provides the reinforcement that the work we have done and continue to do is setting the venue as an industry leader within the space.”

UBS Arena’s designation falls under the Protective Design Program, with having the technology and the protective design measures implemented in the structural design and systems architecture. This recognition is dated to when the venue opened in November 2021 and is valid through the end of 2029.

The venue’s upcoming shows include comedians Sebastian Maniscalco, Katt Williams, Gabriel Iglesias, as well as Mary J. Blige, Kane Brown, Beenie Man, Chris Stapleton and Maná,, and sporting events including TNA Wrestling and PBR, along with Islanders matches.