The Oneida Indian Nation has successfully completed the Turning Stone Evolution project, a significant $400 million investment that has transformed the Turning Stone Resort Casino into the largest venue for meetings and conventions in New York.
According to Oxford Economics, this initiative is projected to generate a one-time economic boost of $616 million, while also providing thousands of construction jobs and establishing permanent roles at Turning Stone Enterprises. Over 60 businesses from New York have secured contracts related to this project.
The newly enhanced resort now features four hotels with a total of 1,046 rooms, 26 dining options, and an impressive 225,000 square feet dedicated to events. Additionally, it offers indoor parking for 3,200 vehicles and access to five golf courses, spas, gaming facilities, dining options, entertainment, and nightlife.
A key element of the expansion is The Grand Expo, developed in collaboration with the architectural firm Gensler. This venue, which was completed ahead of schedule, effectively doubles the event capacity of Turning Stone and includes a 30,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, nine meeting rooms (two of which feature outdoor patios), and the newly established White Pine Café.
The Grand Expo boasts pillarless event spaces, lofty ceilings, natural lighting, and a 24,000-square-foot landscaped outdoor courtyard. It has been specifically designed to host executive meetings, conventions, trade shows, corporate gatherings, weddings, and various celebrations.
Additionally, a new South Parking Center has been introduced, providing 1,492 parking spaces along with wayfinding technology and direct access to The Grand Expo.
This opening follows the launch of The Crescent in July, a luxurious 258-room hotel, and Salt, its signature fine-dining restaurant. The Crescent is directly linked to The Grand Expo, allowing guests attending meetings and conventions to seamlessly navigate between accommodations, event spaces, dining venues, entertainment options, and other areas of the resort without leaving the property. This layout is designed to facilitate multi-day events within the resort.
Ray Halbritter, Representative of the Oneida Indian Nation and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, stated, “With the completion of the Turning Stone Evolution and the opening of The Grand Expo, we have achieved our most ambitious vision for the resort, our enterprises, and Central New York.”
He added, “This historic investment to establish Turning Stone as New York’s premier destination for meetings and conventions will revolutionize tourism and economic development in the region for years to come, enabling us to further diversify our businesses, attract larger events, and compete with the nation’s leading business and leisure travel destinations.”
The Turning Stone Resort Casino celebrated the completion of the Turning Stone Evolution and the inauguration of The Grand Expo with a gala event on Saturday, August 29. The event was attended by members of the Oneida Indian Nation, elected officials, business and tourism leaders, and other guests, culminating in a spectacular drone and fireworks display.