Belmont Park Arena Update: Richard Browne Interview

Construction at Belmont Park Arena has steadily progressed since resuming on May 27.

Despite a two-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Islanders new home arena is slated to open on time for the 2021-22 season.

While the Belmont live cam offers a 24/7 coverage, Richard Browne, the Managing Director of Sterling Project Development, gave Miriam Drubel a behind-the-scenes update in an exclusive interview.

Browne covered a variety of topics in his interview and the full version can be seen here and below. NewYorkIslanders.com has pulled excerpts from Browne's interview.

Arena Completion Timeline:

Despite the two month pause (March 27 to May 27) Browne said that there should be no issues meeting the October 2021 opening deadline.

"We're optimistic and very determined," Browne told Drubel. "We understand the importance of restoring the faith in our community after it's been such a difficult time for everybody… It'll be a tremendous victory for us to complete this job on time and we are certainly determined to do that and believe we can."

Upcoming Milestones:

Browne provided some updates on upcoming milestones for the arena's construction. He told Drubel that the structural steel should be in place towards the end of the summer and that the building will enclosed - and have permanent power - by the end of the year.

"We should be topped off - meaning the last piece of structural steel for the venue will be up towards the end of the summer," Browne said. "We will be enclosing the building with architectural precast and it's being manufactured as we speak. By the end of the year you should see an enclosed building. On the inside, there will literally be well over 1,000 men and women working around the clock on the interiors to build out that space and have it ready for the 2021-22 season."

Workplace Safety amid the Coronavirus Pandemic:

Browne said Sterling, in conjunction with AECOM Hunt, have consulted with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State and the Department of Health to create a safe work environment for workers. There are fever and symptom screenings and a "robust" cleaning and disinfecting protocol. Browne said all construction and support workers will be subject to screens.

"We have really combined best practices on what we have seen as good protocol to assure worker safety and are implementing that at Belmont," Browne told Drubel. "They are to be screened to see if they have a fever, or see if they have any symptoms. The cleaning protocol and disinfecting protocol is very, very robust, as are the workplace rules so that people can keep socially distant. Luckily in our case the restoration of this work is coming at a time where we are still fully open air. Our foundation and concrete underground work is complete and steel is being erected. It's an outdoor experience and should lend itself to workers being able to do their jobs safely and efficiently."

Belmont Park Arena Architecture and Technology:

Sterling Project Development oversaw the construction of Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, and Browne told Drubel that Belmont Park Arena will have a similar blend of classic architecture and cutting-edge technology.

Browne said that the exterior of the arena was designed to reflect and compliment the history and aesthetic of Belmont Park, but the interior will feature state-of-the-art technology and features.

"When you look at the renderings of the exterior, you see brick and arches, which are very complimentary to the clubhouse and grandstand of Belmont Park and other iconic buildings and destinations around New York City," Browne told Drubel. "But when you walk inside and you are a part of cutting-edge technology: sound systems, sightlines, food offerings, finishes, lighting and effects that really are at the forefront of the evolution of these public venues, you're going to know you're in a next-generation arena."

Browne added that Belmont Park Arena will be equipped with 5G, which is fifth generation wireless technology for cellular devices. That means fans will be able to stream and share videos easier on their phones during games or concerts.

"It's the elimination of that frustration that so many people have when they've been in a public venue," Browne said. "5G enables a packed house with full content to be able to transmit, experience and share at any time. It really opens up a whole other world and aspect of entertainment and fan experience by being a 5G venue."

An Islanders Arena:

Browne told Drubel that steps have been taken to personalize the arena for Islanders fans. The acoustics and shape of the arena bowl are designed to be loud and intimate, preserving the energy from Nassau Coliseum. Browne said that between the colors, graphics, videos and signage, Belmont Park Arena will have a decidedly Islanders flavor.

"You can be sure that between the orange and blue you see, the honor that is paid to the tradition of the Islanders in some of the graphics and content that are in the arena," Browne said. "With all the video experience, signage and music and the chants that are so unique to Long Island and the Islanders, there will be no doubt this is a branded Islanders home."