L.I. Nets return to Nassau Coliseum

The Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, will play at Nassau Coliseum for the first time since 2020 when the team hosts its first home games of the 2021-22 NBA G League season this Wednesday, Nov. 10 and Friday, Nov. 12. The Nets will face the Capital City Go-Go both nights and each game will tip off at 7 p.m.

Wednesday’s game, sponsored by FirstNet Built with AT&T, will be dedicated to honoring frontline workers from Long Island who have helped lead the community through the early days of the pandemic and have continued to serve, including law enforcement, medical personnel and others.

Throughout the evening, the Nets will distribute authentic signed team jerseys in an on-court presentation to thank the local heroes.

The essential workers represent a variety of industries. Some notable stories include:

• Layla Qaabidh, Triage Nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital
  
  Layla Qaabidh is employed by NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in the emergency department. At the onset of the pandemic, her hospital admitted one of the first cases of COVID-19 in New York City. She worked to ensure staff safety and served as a support system for her colleagues. She credits her resiliency to her team of dedicated doctors, nurses and techs who championed her during the early stages of the pandemic.
• Dr. Selena Gilles, Associate Dean, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
  A former critical care nurse and adult nurse practitioner for 11 years, Dr. Gilles currently serves as the Associate Dean of New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing. At the height of the pandemic, she administered vaccinations to vulnerable communities. With the help of Dr. Gilles team, the University was able to distribute 25,000 vaccinations between March and July 2021.

• Jose Perpignan Jr., New York City Travel Nurse
  Jose Perpignan Jr. is a New York City Travel Nurse who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to his community during the COVID-19 pandemic. As illness began to affect vulnerable populations such as the elderly, Perpignan Jr. distributed personal protective equipment (PPE), offered grocery shopping and pharmacy pick-up all while working 12-hour nursing shifts. In April 2020, Perpignan Jr., led a virtual town hall to demand healthcare access for underserved communities and PPE for healthcare workers.

Friday’s game is sponsored by Homewood Suites Carle Place-Garden City and the first 2,000 fans to arrive will receive a limited-edition Julius “Dr. J” Erving as Marvel’s Black Panther bobblehead.

Doors for both games open at 6 p.m. and fans are encouraged to wear blue to commemorate the LI Nets’ return to the Coliseum. Ten individuals attending Wednesday and Friday’s games will be randomly selected to receive signed LI Nets apparel. Additionally, at both games the first 200 children to visit the North End Zone during halftime will receive assorted LI Nets merchandise and an autograph and photo with the team’s mascot, Dale the Eagle.  

“The Long Island Nets are proud to return to the Coliseum by honoring Long Island’s frontline workers,” said Alton Byrd, Vice President of Growth Properties at BSE Global, parent company of the Long Island Nets. “These individuals are the embodiment of selflessness, and we applaud their dedication and service that has enabled the return of Long Island basketball.” 

Individual tickets for the 2021-22 NBA G League season are on sale now and can be purchased online at longislandnets.com and Ticketmaster.com. Season ticket memberships, group tickets and fan experience packages are also available and can be purchased by calling 937-948-2546 or by contacting info@longislandnets.com.

Please visit the LI Nets health and safety page for a list of safety measures and protocols in place at Nassau Coliseum.

Fans who are unable to attend LI Nets Opening Week at Nassau Coliseum can watch Wednesday’s game on ESPN+. Friday’s game will air on the YES Network app and online at NBAGLeague.com.