Market Square Arena vs. Nassau Coliseum

Attribute	Market Square Arena	Nassau Coliseum
Location	Indianapolis, Indiana	Uniondale, New York
Capacity	16,530	13,917
Opened	1974	1972
Closed	2001	2020
Tenants	Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Racers	New York Islanders, New York Nets

History

Market Square Arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, opened its doors in 1974. It was the home of the NBA's Indiana Pacers and the WHA's Indianapolis Racers. The arena hosted numerous concerts and events over the years before being demolished in 2001. Nassau Coliseum, on the other hand, is located in Uniondale, New York, and opened in 1972. It has been the home of the NHL's New York Islanders and has also hosted concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment.

Capacity

Market Square Arena had a seating capacity of around 16,000 for basketball games and up to 18,000 for concerts. Nassau Coliseum, on the other hand, has a seating capacity of around 13,000 for hockey games and up to 16,000 for concerts. While Market Square Arena had a slightly larger capacity overall, both arenas were able to accommodate large crowds for various events.

Architecture

Market Square Arena was a circular, multi-purpose arena with a distinctive roof that sloped downward towards the center. The arena had a unique design that set it apart from other venues of its time. Nassau Coliseum, on the other hand, has a more traditional rectangular shape with a flat roof. The architecture of Nassau Coliseum is more typical of arenas built during the same time period.

Location

Market Square Arena was located in downtown Indianapolis, making it easily accessible to fans and visitors. The arena was surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for events. Nassau Coliseum, on the other hand, is located on Long Island, about 30 miles east of New York City. While the arena is easily accessible by car and public transportation, it is not as centrally located as Market Square Arena.

Legacy

Market Square Arena was the site of many memorable events, including concerts by Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson. The arena also hosted the 1980 NBA All-Star Game and the 1991 Pan American Games. Nassau Coliseum, on the other hand, has a rich history of its own, hosting concerts by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and Billy Joel. The arena has also been the site of numerous championship hockey games and other sporting events.

Renovations

Market Square Arena underwent several renovations during its lifetime, including upgrades to the seating, lighting, and sound systems. However, the arena ultimately could not keep up with modern standards and was demolished in 2001. Nassau Coliseum, on the other hand, underwent a major renovation in 2015, which included updates to the seating, concourses, and amenities. The arena now boasts state-of-the-art facilities that rival newer venues.

Conclusion

While Market Square Arena and Nassau Coliseum both have their own unique attributes and histories, they have each played a significant role in the entertainment and sports industries. Market Square Arena may have had a larger capacity and a more distinctive design, but Nassau Coliseum has stood the test of time with its renovations and continued popularity. Both arenas have left a lasting legacy in their respective communities and will be remembered for the events and memories created within their walls.