Uniondale, NY - September 23, 2013 - The Nassau County Legislature today unanimously approved County Executive Edward P.Mangano’s public-private partnership with Bruce Ratner’s Nassau Events Center (NEC) to transform the 43-year old Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseumand Plazainto an attractive,first-classdestination for sports and family entertainment. The agreement generates millions in economic benefit for Nassau County while creating and retaining thousands of local jobs.

County Executive Mangano stated, “Together, we will truly transform the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum into a world-class arena that hosts exciting headliner concerts, the New York Islanders, Brooklyn Nets, New York Yankees' clinics, a new American Hockey League team, family shows, expositions,and other programs that generate important economic activity. The Coliseum will serve as an economic generator for the region while creating new jobs and opportunities forourresidents.”

Under terms of the agreement, Nassau County will receive a percentageof revenue with a guaranteed minimum level of revenue-sharing that escalates throughout the life of the contract. NEC is responsible for all construction, renovation and maintenance costs at the Coliseum and Plaza. NEC will transform the Coliseum into a 13,000 seat arena that hosts professional sports as well as family-fun entertainment. The NY Islanders will play a minimum of six games, host two open practices and four training camp days at the Coliseum annually. The Brooklyn Nets will also play at least one pre-season game each year and the NY Yankees will host a coaches clinic annually.The lease ensures that an American Hockey League (AHL) team will play all home games at the Coliseum as well.

“This property is vital to the future of Nassau County. The competitive bidding process led to an exciting proposal that puts Nassau residents first. I am very pleased that the County Executive and Mr. Ratner were able to come to terms on a plan that will provide a state of the art, revenue generating entertainment destination at zero cost to the taxpayer,” added Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves.

Bruce Ratner, Executive Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies and Nassau Events Center, stated, “We are grateful to the County Legislature for approving the proposal that will allow NEC to revitalize Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.We embrace the tremendous responsibility that accompanies this project and the impact it has on future generations of Long Islanders. Thank you to Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves and Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams for working together with their members to conduct a very thorough and expeditious review process. I also want to thank County Executive Ed Mangano for his strong leadership throughout this very transparent and thoughtful process. This vote of support signals that Nassau County is ready to move forward. We will work together to deliver aworld-class Coliseum and a thriving sports, entertainment and retail center that the County and its residents deserve. We are honored to be the team selected to deliver a Nassau like never before. Our partnership group is focused and prepared to bring the best to Nassau and to fulfill the County’s goals of vital job growth and significant economic activity. We are now looking forward to working with the Town of Hempstead on the project’s final approvals.”

Redevelopment of the Coliseum is the first phase in County Executive Mangano’s economic development plan for the Hub. With a transformed Coliseum, the County will be positioned to attract other uses adjacent to the arena that complement existing educational institutions, financial companies, research and development companies, retailers and others who call the Hub their home.

To honor local veterans, NEC has agreed to construct a monument in honor of our hometown heroes and the arena’s name will remain as the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.