NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
After a long off-season because of the NHL lockout, Islander fans finally got to go to the Nassau Coliseum to see their team on the ice.
But it will be one of the last home openers at the Coliseum before the team moves to Brooklyn in 2015.
So what impact does that have for businesses in the area?
Fans here in Uniondale, Long Island are really excited about the game but they also know that in a few years if they want to see their Islanders, they've got to go inland to Brooklyn.
Saying Islander and Devil fans were excited about tonight's first post lockout game against each other at Nassau Coliseum may be an understatement.
"Let's go Devils!"
"Let's go Islanders, let's go Islanders!"
The lockout lasted 113 days and as happy as fans are now they also know their happiness is fleeting. After 40 years on the island the Islanders are moving to Brooklyn's Barclay Center come 2015.
The team signed a 25 year lease.
"I think it's the best thing for the organization. I'm looking forward to catching a few games at the Barclay Center," said one fan.
"I'm a little disappointed. There are no more decent sport teams on Long Island," added another.
"I'm proud of the move to Brooklyn, let's go Islanders!"
Not only was the Coliseum packed tonight, but many businesses near the arena like Borelli's also saw many more customers.
"People were happy to be back."
Co-owner Frank Borrelli says despite the lockout, business has been good. But of course gets better during hockey season.
Like many business owners, they're not happy to see their neighbor go, calling the move to Brooklyn bittersweet.
"They're leaving in a year and a half but when one door closes and another one opens. There's a lot of things going on in the community. They just broke ground across the street at Eisenhower Park where they're putting in two hockey rinks and tennis courts," said Borrelli.
Business owners say in addition to possibly a new sports complex they're also grateful Hofstra University is here. They say that brings in a lot of business.
As for the Islander fans, they say the only way the team can possibly make up for the move to Brooklyn is to win a lot of games.
