NY Islanders Become First Sports Team to be Sponsored by Tattoo Parlour

The New York Islanders have become the first professional sports team to have an official tattoo parlour.

The once storied franchise dominated the NHL in the early 1980s, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups, but it’s been all downhill ever since. The team hasn’t won a playoff round in nearly twenty years, and the city just turned down its request for tax dollars to fund a new stadium. Nassau Coliseum is widely considered the worst arena currently home to a major sports team. 

On ten home dates next season, Tattoo Lou’s will set up a booth offering artwork and body piercings, as well as jewelry and other collectibles. Both the team and the business itself are citing the partnership as a historic boon for the ink industry. Founder Lou Rubino released a statement outlining how happy he is to have joined the Islanders family.

“This partnership with the Islanders is a great fit for us and it’s a wonderful benefit to be a part of the Islanders team. This is another victory for the tattoo industry. For a long time, tattoos were frowned upon, but now we’ve become more and more mainstream. One of the main things I love about this partnership is the history the Islanders have. My dad opened his first shop in 1958. We’re a part of Long Island history just like the Islanders.” said Rubino.

Justin Johnson, senior vice president of corporate partnerships and marketing for the Islanders, also commented: “Our team is thrilled to bring another Long Island institution to the Coliseum, especially one from such a unique industry. Tattoo Lou’s is an innovative brand with a creative vision. They’re a great fit with our energetic team on the ice and our youthful fan base around Long Island.”