Mets Talk To The Islanders About Moving To Queens

Does Mr. Met even like hockey?

Could Queens become the next professional hockey destination? Newsday spoke with Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, who confirmed that he has spoken to Islanders owner Charles Wang about moving the franchise to Queens: "I've had conversations with Charles and we've talked about Queens. We'd like to be helpful and I think Queens is an option. We built Citi Field well under budget and on time. I have all my guys ready."

Wang has been frustrated by attempts to "downsize" his Lighthouse arena project in Hempstead and unhappy with Nassau County officials, raising questions about whether he'll sell the franchise (Kansas City, anyone?). Also, the Mets could be interested in eventually buying the franchise, though Wilpon added, "We haven't really discussed ownership. It has been more of, 'Can we get something synergistic with Citi Field and a hockey arena, what can happen here?'" Wilpon also revealed he had been talking to MLS commissioner Don Garber about a soccer venue, though "We probably can't do both."

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall said of a potential hockey arena, "We are certainly willing and able and happy to work with Mr. Wilpon, but we have not heard any concrete plan as of today of bringing the Islanders into Queens. It has to be real." Well, Brooklyn Beep Marty Markowitz has said the team would be welcome in Brooklyn.

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By Jen Chung in News on May 12, 2010 9:35 AM

Comments [rss]

RooseveltIsland360

Rather than build another stadium in this City the Islanders should speak to Rattner about sharing the new Flatbush Ave arena the Nets are going to.

MSG hosts both the Knicks and Rangers so no reason Brooklyn can't host a run down basketball team and a run down hockey team in ine arena.

fafou

You know that's not a bad idea.

longacre

If Charlie Wang thought building stuff on Long Island was hard, wait 'til he starts dealing with the nut jobs involved in the Willets Point debacle.

katiebaker

fuck you kate murray. lets keep the islanders where they belong.

Teddie Boy Eddie

This is a great idea, though I really was hoping Wilpon was going to get an MLS franchise. Oh well.

EricGewiz

I'd much rather have the team stay in Nassau County and get their new arean deal done, though I admit I don't like the scale of the Lighthouse plan, and I can't stand that the Town of Hempstead has dragged out their counterproposal. That doesn't make it seem like LIers want the team that badly. If they lost the team to Queens, they'll lose lots of business in the long term.

but, I agree, ultimately, if this keeps the team in NY, I'm all for it. I would be eternally depressed if they moved outside of NY area.

soxinthecity

The Islanders moving to Queens would be the best thing that could happen to the team, Islander (and other NHL) fans, Willets Point, and the SNY network. I really hope this happens.