Isles name official tattoo shop

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This just ink: New York Islanders fans now will be able to get tattoos at select home games, the team announced Friday.

Tattoo Lou's has been designated to become the official tattoo shop of the Islanders, the first time a professional sports franchise has ever designated an official tattoo shop.

A Tattoo Lou's tattooing and body-piercing station will be set up on the concourse at 10 Islanders games at Nassau Coliseum during the 2011-12 season.

"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," Lou Rubino, president of Tattoo Lou's, said in a statement. "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."

The station also will sell Islanders-centric body jewelry and tattoo-inspired Islanders T-shirts and sweatshirts.

"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 and 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."

Mike Mazzeo is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.

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