Planning a night out for live music at Belmont Park requires more than just buying a ticket. UBS Arena hosts some of the biggest touring acts in the world, but navigating its modern layout, security restrictions, and transit options can trip up first-time visitors. Knowing how the venue operates before you step foot inside ensures you skip the lines and enjoy the show.
Getting the most out of your concert experience means understanding the logistics unique to this Long Island venue. From choosing the right seating tier to managing parking bottlenecks and strict bag regulations, this guide breaks down everything you need to know for a smooth night out.
Getting to UBS Arena: Transit and Parking Options
Arriving on time depends heavily on whether you drive or take public transit. Located at Belmont Park on the border of Queens and Nassau County, the venue has distinct access points.
Taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
The Elmont-UBS Arena station serves as the dedicated rail stop. Trains run regularly on the Main Line, and the station connects to the arena via a modern, covered walkway.
- If you’re coming from Manhattan, trains depart from Penn Station or Grand Central.
- Free shuttle buses run between the station and the arena before and after major events, though lines peak right after the encore.
- Watch your connections if you have to transfer through Jamaica Station, as crowding can cause missed connections on the way home.
Driving and Parking Realities
If you drive, you must purchase a parking pass in advance via Ticketmaster. Lots typically open two hours before doors.
- Emerald Parking: Accessed via Exit 26D on the Cross Island Parkway. This lot requires a 15-minute walk or a quick shuttle ride to the front doors.
- Belmont Park Garage: Accessed via Exit 26A, positioned closer to the structure with a direct pedestrian walkway.
- Exit Strategy: Leaving the parking lots involves a single-lane bottleneck back onto the parkway. Expect a 30-to-45-minute delay just to exit the property if you leave right as the house lights come up.
Choosing Your Concert View: Seating Breakdown
UBS Arena was originally built as a hockey home for the New York Islanders, which shapes its intimate, vertical bowl architecture. Sightlines are generally sharp, but concert setups change things.
Floor Seating and GA Pits
For most major music tours, the venue utilizes an end-stage configuration.
- General Admission (GA) Pits: Standing right against the stage puts you inches from the artist, but you'll need to queue hours early to secure a barricade spot.
- Reserved Floor Seats: Arranged in rows behind the pit. If you're shorter, choose rows closer to the soundboard to avoid getting blocked by taller concertgoers.
Lower Bowl (100 Level)
The 100 level offers a balanced perspective. Sections 101 through 104 sit directly opposite or angled to the stage, giving you an elevated, head-on view without looking up too steeply. Avoid sections tucked too far around the side of the stage, as production equipment can create partial obstructions.
Upper Bowl (300 Level)
Don't dismiss the top tier entirely. The 300 level features a maximum of nine rows per section, meaning you're never trapped deep underneath a massive overhang. While you're farther from the stage, the steep rake provides an unobstructed look down at the floor, aided by the venue's massive central scoreboard.
Navigating Security and the Bag Policy
Security checks at the entrance are strict. Showing up with the wrong size bag will force you to walk all the way back to your vehicle.
- Size Limits: Bags must measure no larger than 12” x 12” x 6”. Small clutches and wristlets are also permitted.
- Backpacks Banned: Backpacks of any size or style are strictly prohibited, regardless of dimensions.
- Bag Check: A physical bag check facility is available in the Acrisure Great Hall if you accidentally bring an oversized item, though lines can back up quickly before showtime.
- Cashless Venue: UBS Arena accepts only contactless payments for merchandise, food, and drinks. Reverse ATMs are available inside if you only brought cash.
For official updates on prohibited items, consult the UBS Arena Bag Policy.
Food, Drink, and Pre-Show Hangs
Concert venues are notorious for generic stadium food, but UBS Arena leans heavily into local New York culinary culture.
- Belmont Hall: Located right next to the Ticketmaster box office, this public sports bar serves local craft brews and food from regional eateries. You don't need a concert ticket to enter before the show, and ticket holders can flow freely between the hall and the arena once scanned in.
- Concourse Highlights: Local vendors pop up across the lower and upper concourses, featuring classic New York slice joints and specialty cocktail bars with views of the bowl.
For a look at upcoming tour schedules and ticket availability, check the Official UBS Arena Events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a professional camera to a concert?
No. Professional cameras with detachable lenses, long telephoto lenses, tripods, and audio recording gear are banned. Small point-and-shoot cameras or modern smartphones are fine for most shows.
Is tailgating allowed in the parking lots?
Tailgating rules vary by event, but generally, light tailgating behind your vehicle is permitted in surface lots like Emerald. Open flames, large furniture, and blocking driving lanes are strictly prohibited.
Are there designated pickup and drop-off zones?
Yes. If someone is dropping you off or picking you up, use Cross Island Parkway Exit 26D and follow the signs to the designated rideshare and drop-off areas on Green Road. Do not attempt pickups on Hempstead Turnpike, as police strictly enforce traffic flow there.
What should I do if I need accessibility assistance?
UBS Arena provides elevators, ramps, and accessible seating options across all levels. If you need a sensory bag or specific medical accommodations, visit any Guest Services kiosk or contact them ahead of your event.
