UNIONDALE, NY - Some of the world's foremost leaders in architecture and construction are joining together to transform the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Stadium Consultants International (SCI) is charged with the responsibility of making the Coliseum a jewel for Islanders fans, Dragons fans and any Long Islander that comes to the arena for a first-class event. SCI and its parent company, Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects (BBB), have been involved in more than 100 sports-related projects internationally, including the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, the home of the NHL's Maple Leafs and NBA's Raptors, and GM Place in Vancouver, the arena of the NHL's Canucks. Local hockey fans are familiar with SCI's work on the Arena at Harbor Yard, the home of the Islanders' minor league affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers. SCI/BBB was recently selected to execute a complete renovation of Madison Square Garden. "We're going to take the best attributes of the Coliseum and completely transform it into one of the best arenas to watch a sporting event, concert or family show," said SCI Principal Murray Beynon, who twenty years ago oversaw the construction of the Skydome in Toronto. "Islanders fans are going to love our vision for their home rink."

A strategic alliance of Bovis Lend Lease and Hunt Construction Group will oversee the construction of the Coliseum project. The HuntBovis Strategic Alliance creates a business unit that combines the specialized sports construction expertise of the Hunt Construction Group with the local knowledge afforded by the Bovis Lend Lease construction specialists based in New York. "The HuntBovis Strategic Alliance is privileged to work with this exceptional group of professionals to build this state-of-the-art sports and multi-purpose venue for the New York Islanders and Dragons and their fans," said Peter A. Marchetto, Chief Executive Officer of Bovis Lend Lease. "We're proud to say that a majority of our team members are Long Islanders that are very excited to be so deeply involved in the construction of such an important development." Hunt has been the construction firm on some of North America's greatest sports facilities, including AT&T Park, the San Francisco Giants' stadium, and Conseco Fieldhouse, the home arena of the Indiana Pacers.

Overseeing the entire project will be Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF), which has been named Master Planner/Architect for the transformation of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. One of the most respected architectural design firms in the world, KPF has worked on projects ranging from the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Mohegan Sun Resort to the corporate headquarters of USA Today and the world headquarters of IBM.

"For a project so vital to Long Island, we wanted to bring in the best to lead the way," said Abraham Poznanski, CEO of Northern Bay Management Group LLC, the development manager for the Coliseum transformation. "There is no doubt that we have done that with KPF, Stadium Consultants and Bovis. Their credentials and experience are impeccable."

Said Islanders general manager Mike Milbury: "Knowing the experience of these firms, and having been to a few of their buildings, I know our players, hockey staff and fans cannot wait for the Islanders to start playing in a transformed Coliseum. The Air Canada Center and GM Place are easily two of the most impressive arenas in the NHL. And everyone in the business and anyone who's a fan knows that AT&T Park and Conseco Fieldhouse rank among the premier facilities in professional sports. "

Kohn Pedersen Fox was founded in 1976 and has since grown from 3 to more than 400 people and has added offices in more than 30 countries. KPF is committed to providing the highest quality of architecture that responds to its environment both in terms of its physical context and its sustainability. The practice provides full architecture, master planning, space planning, programming, building analysis and interior design services for clients in both the public and private sectors. KPF has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing the wide range of design and technical accomplishments.

SCI is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in the financial and physical planning, development, implementation and project management of sports and entertainment facilities. SCI has particularly focused on enhancing a project's economic value by generating a high level of excitement and energy in their entertainment facility designs to attract more events and visitors. SCI has had extensive experience in working directly with arena operators, customers and users during the development stage to ensure the success of spectator events, sponsorships and advertising.

Supporting the needs of communities, governments, commerce and industry on a local, national and multinational level, Bovis Lend Lease ranks among the world's leading project and construction management companies. With more than 7,500 employees in 93 offices worldwide, the company provides the necessary support for clients to adapt their real estate requirements in response to market dynamics and changing environments. In the United States, Bovis Lend Lease is the nation's third largest construction manager with coverage emanating from its 16 U.S. offices.

Since 1944, Hunt Construction Group has embarked on a series of firsts in the sports construction industry, setting new standards for excellence along the way. Hunt is internationally recognized as the premier builder of sports facilities. Projects include Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis; AT&T Center in San Antonio; University of Phoenix Stadium and America West Arena in Arizona; AT&T Park in San Francisco; Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; Ford Field and Comerica Park in Detroit; and Miller Park in Milwaukee.