Oneida Indian Nation has completed the Turning Stone Evolution project, a $400 million investment that turned Turning Stone Resort Casino into New York state's largest meetings and conventions venue. Oxford Economics puts the one-time economic impact at $616 million. More than 60 New York-based contractors worked on the build.
The resort now holds four hotels with 1,046 rooms, 26 restaurants and 225,000 square feet of event space. Covered parking fits 3,200 vehicles. Guests have access to five golf courses, a spa, the casino, dining and nightlife.
The Grand Expo
The centrepiece is The Grand Expo, designed by Gensler and delivered ahead of schedule. It doubled Turning Stone's event capacity: a 30,000-square-foot ballroom, nine meeting rooms (two with terraces) and White Pine café. High ceilings, natural light, column-free zones and a 24,000-square-foot open courtyard. The venue targets corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows and weddings.
The new South Parking Center offers 1,492 spaces with direct access to The Grand Expo. In July the 258-room hotel The Crescent opened alongside Salt restaurant. The Crescent connects directly to The Grand Expo, letting guests move between rooms, event halls, dining and entertainment without stepping outside. The layout supports multi-day events.
'We have realised the most ambitious vision for the resort and our enterprises,' said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises. 'This investment will reshape tourism and economic development in the region for decades, let us diversify the business, attract major events and compete with leading destinations for business and leisure travel nationwide.'
The Grand Expo opened with a gala on 29 August attended by Oneida Indian Nation members, officials and business and tourism representatives. A drone show and fireworks closed the evening.
