The Sports Arena — Attraction in Town of Smithtown

As a parent involved in Long Island’s youth basketball scene, I was extremely disappointed with how the Sports Arena handled this upcoming weekend’s tournament involving our team.

We paid to participate, yet just days before the game, we were told that no parents from our team were allowed to attend, and that if we did, our team would be forced to forfeit. Meanwhile, parents from the opposing team were still allowed in.

We later heard the decision was because some parents were “going back and forth” with referees and opposing coaches — but let’s be honest: that’s part of the basketball culture, especially on Long Island. While we don’t condone disrespect, heated exchanges and passionate energy are part of competitive youth sports. Instead of addressing any specific individuals, the arena punished an entire group of families, many of whom weren’t involved in any incident at all.

What makes this worse is the lack of transparency — no written explanation, no rule cited, no fair process. And for the kids who trained and showed up ready to compete, this decision robbed them of the full tournament experience.

Long Island’s basketball community thrives because of passionate families, coaches, and players. This kind of blanket punishment and one-sided enforcement doesn’t reflect the fairness and accountability our kids deserve.

Until this facility can handle situations more professionally — and apply rules consistently and respectfully — I can’t recommend it to any serious team or program...

Update July 7, 2020: The Sports Arena recontacted us and offered a refund. We appreciate them reconsidering.

Poor management, greedy owner. Sports Arena cancelled the Spring season due to Covid-19. They then ignored multiple phone and email messages regarding refunds. Two months later, we got through by phone. The owner Scott states that no refunds for the season would be given, even though there was not a single game played. They have kept our hundreds of dollars for our children who had been signed up for various leagues. They are completely insensitive to the fact that some families need THEIR money during these times of lost jobs and wages. Sports Arena’s greedy money grab is unconscionable. At this point, based on their lousy attitude and policy, I would recommend other organizations like SUSA or i9. Outdoor activities are probably safer anyway. I would have zero faith in the Sports Arena’s ability to adequately clean their facility if their bottom line is $$$ only. They offered credit only, but that doesn’t work for families that are moving or who have children who have underlying issues that are complicated by COVID-19.Their greed...

I was at your facility last night with my service dog Hero. I was refused entry unless I gave them is ID card. Which by federal law I don't have to show only to law enforcement. He told me my rights with the AMerican Disability Act doesn't apply to there establishment since there privately owned. I said I'm supped to be treated the same as a disabled person in a wheel chair. Worker told me well a wheel chair doesn't bite cause allergies plus he said we serve food here.They also said they needed my service dogs info if another patron asks for my ID. I finally gave him ID card after he made a big seem discriminated against my rights and my disability. He said this is our rules and our attorneys are with us 100% . He said Why can't I be treated as an equal like a handicap person. Is this the way you treat all your patrons and other Veterans whom fought for your right to be an American and free. I barely made it home last night from my disability. ...