The New York Islanders announced today an agreement to designate Tattoo Lou’s as the official tattoo shop of the New York Islanders Hockey Club – this is the first time a professional sports franchise has ever designated an official tattoo shop.

As part of this strategic partnership, Tattoo Lou’s will set up a tattooing and body-piercing station on the Nassau Coliseum concourse for 10 Islanders home games during the 2011-12 season. Tattoo Lou’s will also sell Islanders-centric body jewelry and tattoo-inspired Islanders    t-shirts and sweatshirts.

“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,” said Lou Rubino, President of Tattoo Lou’s. “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.”

“Our team is thrilled to bring another Long Island institution to the Coliseum, especially one from such a unique industry,” said Justin Johnson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Marketing for the Islanders. “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.”