UBS Arena

In 2018, code compliance reviews began on the long-anticipated UBS Arena, which would break ground in 2019. As the new home of the NHL’s New York Islanders, this 745,000-square-foot arena sits up to 17,000 fans for hockey games and 18,500 for concerts. The arena is part of a larger entertainment complex that will include a four-star boutique hotel and 315,000 square feet of high-end retail, dining, and entertainment. The Office of General Services of New York State (OGS), as the authority having jurisdiction, required support to complete the numerous code compliance reviews and inspections required for a large, complex.

Due to the size and complexity of the UBS Arena project, OGS required support from multiple expert consultants to facilitate code compliance reviews and inspections of all building code requirements. Arenas pose an additional threat to life safety due to their large size, dense population of occupants who are unfamiliar with the space, and unique floor plans throughout. The major integrated arena life safety systems included sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and smoke control systems.

Over a period of three years, we were the trusted consultant and deployed more than 50 dedicated staff and five subcontractors to help OGS develop a systematic approach for successful execution of the permit review process and scheduling of timely inspections. To ensure the arena achieved code compliance, the team reviewed over 24,000 pages of documentation using Bluebeam Studio and, with OGS support, worked with the design team and contractor to resolve challenges throughout the ubs arena construction process.

As a result of our teams’ efforts, UBS Arena building code and life safety issues were resolved quickly and safely – critical success factors for the client. We continue to support OGS on the four-year contract to permit and inspect the on-site parking garage, site work, and development of the new retail village in 2022. We’ve developed a seamless relationship with OGS which allows the process we’ve created to be applied to ensure code compliance for the remaining aspects of this world-class entertainment complex