First NHL game is played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Islanders-Brooklyn-11 — The New York Islanders logo on the ice at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils played the first NHL hockey game in the brand new, state of the art, Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. I was lucky to be on hand shooting for the press at this historical event. Unfortunately, my home team Islanders fell 3-0 to the visiting Devils. It was a pre-season game but it certainly didn’t feel like it. I was impressed with this world class arena and the crowd seemed to be as well.

The staff of the Barclays Center welcomes you everywhere you go with a smile. They’re trained by the Disney Institute and I assure you it was money well spent on the part of the Barclays. I felt welcomed and at home wherever I went in the arena. The media room was large and well equipped making working there a pleasure. There’s a room just for media photographers. It’s a welcome change from the aging Nassau Coliseum where media is forced into rooms no larger than a walk in closet. Typically at Nassau we share the room Sparky the Dragon gets changed in. Not that I am complaining, Sparky the Dragon is aces in my book.

Islanders-Brooklyn-1 — Inside the hockey arena at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

The Barclays Center wasn’t built with hockey in mind so the arena is a bit off center with a rink installed. Notice how the scoreboard is off center. Also the far end has no seats, replaced by a VIP club equipped with tables and waitress service. The setup is defiantly not your standard hockey arena. Shooting for the media, options were limited. There were only two cut outs in the glass and both were in the VIP area. Alternately you could shoot from the 124 section. I tried both locations. I was happy that I got some greats shots in both locations.

Overall I had a great time shooting at the Barclays Center. This was largely due to the exceptionally friendly staff and the way the Barclays Center went out of their way to welcome the media. I hope you had a great time too despite the final score.

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Joseph Nuzzo

Photographer at Shutter Speak

Joe is a professionally trained photographer specializing in concert, sports, event, location, and landscape photography. Joe began his journey working in a camera store part-time while helping pay his way through college. The fun of picking up a camera just never seemed to get old...

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