Gary Bettman Tells Media That Parking & Traffic Have Improved At UBS, Is He Right?

Today, from the NHL office in Manhattan, Gary Bettman spoke during a media session with the Associated Sports editors.  According to Newsday, among the topics discussed were parking and traffic at UBS arena.  

Bettman suggested that the construction finishing on the Belmont Grand Stand will help matters improve.  Also that it had gotten much better since the Islanders first season.  So the big question is, is he right?

As someone who has been to a ton of games there, mostly driving, I not only think the Commissioner is incorrect, I find the exact opposite to be true when it comes to parking.  When it comes to traffic I don't really feel as though its better but I don't feel like its much worse either.

In my experience, since the arena has opened and specifically over the last season and half to two seasons, parking, specifically exiting the garage has gotten a lot worse.  I specifically mentioned that time frame because it coincides with the opening of the outdoor shopping experience by the parking garage.  

A fan was quoted in the Newsday article talking about how many have gotten used to things.  It is hard to get used to things and build a routine when they routinely change things when you leave the garage.  You can leave one way one game then come the next game when you try to go that way your told your not allowed to leave that way anymore and you have to go this way now.  For example, this happened to me at 3 games in row during the season, there was a different exit pattern each game.  If you dare object with the staff forget about it, it is like the staff thinks fans are robots pre programed to obey them.  If you don't obey them the staff like malfunctions into inappropriate behavior.

The only matter in which I would say traffic is worse is as a result of the changes above.  When exiting on the Cross Island side of the garage you are forced to squeeze 3 sometimes 4 lanes of traffic into one lane in that tight space.  I am surprised there haven't been more accidents with how tight it is there.  While it doesn't create a super long delay, the idea is that it is a decrease in the experience and aren't they supposed to improve the experience and not find ways to make it worse?

Keep in mind, these issues mentioned are occurring with the shops only at 25% occupancy, according to a recent Newsday article.  Imagine what things will be like when or if the shops get to 50+% occupancy?  The garage will no longer be available for hockey then is the way this is trending, in my eyes.