Onstage in August 2015 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, in the New York City borough of Long Island, Billy Joel, 66, chose the perfect song to begin a milestone performance.
“I’m moving out!” shouted the gray-bearded singer at the August 4, 2016 show, the final event at the arena before it closed its doors for $130 million worth of renovations.
The night ended a four-decade run at the 16,800-capacity hall, which has hosted Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.
Both economics and rising concern for the environment are guiding the green rebuilding of Nassau Coliseum, says Rebecca D’Eloia, senior vp development, sports and entertainment for Forest City Ratner Companies, the project’s redeveloper.