The New York Islanders have formally submitted a proposal to build a “world-class sports and entertainment destination” at Belmont Park.
On the eve of the deadline, just hours before the window closes at 2 p.m. ET, the New York Islanders formally submitted a bid to develop an arena and more at Belmont Park.
Jim Baumbach of Newsday broke the news on Twitter:
BREAKING: Islanders say they submitted "a comprehensive proposal to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination" at Belmont.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 28, 2017
The Islanders bid comes amidst the announcement of another New York team that plans to formally submit a bid: MLS’ New York City FC.
Initially, it seemed the two professional clubs would be competing against each other for the same territory, but Baumbach helped clarify the young club’s intentions:
Source says NYCFC prefers three city spots over Belmont. Still bidding to win, though. It's a mixed-use proposal with retail and stadium.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 28, 2017
Hopefully, the presence of another major-league club, one that is doing very well in only its third year, won’t deter the Islanders from being the front-runners in the development.
Randi Marshall, a Newsday Editorial Board member also helped clear the air on the big players who are interested in submitting a bid.
Folo @jimbaumbach and @BrodskyRobert for Belmont RFP info. So far, we've got three: Blumenfeld, NYCFC (w Yanks) and #isles (w Mets/MSG) https://t.co/7V7YsyHNAL
— Randi Marshall (@randimarshall) September 28, 2017
It essentially breaks down to the Islanders, NYCFC and Blumenfeld in terms of groups who have submitted formal bids.
Although there is no concrete timetable for an answer from the county, the best estimate would be to expect news to start coming out towards the end of the year, in late November or December.
The Islanders’ deadline to negotiate with the Barclays Center closes in January, so they’ll be pushing for an answer on Belmont before then.
For more on the Islanders progress on Belmont, keep your eyes on the Islanders Center here at ESNY.
