VERONA, NY – The Oneida Indian Nation has completed its $400 million Turning Stone Evolution project, transforming Turning Stone Resort Casino into what the Nation says is New York’s largest meetings and conventions resort.
Following the expansion, Turning Stone now includes four hotels with 1,046 rooms, 26 restaurants, 225,000 sq. ft. of event space and indoor parking for 3,200 vehicles, along with five golf courses, spas, gaming, dining, entertainment and nightlife.
Designed in partnership with architecture firm Gensler, The Grand Expo represents the largest expansion of Turning Stone’s meetings and events facilities to date. Completed ahead of schedule, the project doubles the resort’s event space and includes a 30,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, nine breakout and meeting rooms – two with outdoor patios – the new White Pine Café and a 24,000 sq. ft. landscaped outdoor courtyard. The facility also features pillarless event spaces, high ceilings and natural light, with configurations designed to accommodate gatherings ranging from executive meetings to conventions, trade shows, corporate events and celebrations. A new South Parking Center adds 1,492 parking spaces, wayfinding technology and direct connectivity to The Grand Expo.
The Grand Expo follows the July opening of The Crescent, Turning Stone’s new 258-room luxury hotel, and Salt, its signature fine-dining restaurant. The Crescent connects directly to The Grand Expo, providing convenient access between accommodations, meetings, dining and other resort amenities.
According to Oxford Economics, the $400 million Turning Stone Evolution generated a one-time economic impact of $616 million, supported thousands of construction jobs and created permanent positions at Turning Stone Enterprises. More than 60 New York businesses were awarded contracts associated with the project.
“With the completion of the Turning Stone Evolution and the opening of The Grand Expo, we have fulfilled our most ambitious vision yet for the resort, our enterprises, and Central New York,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “This historic investment to make Turning Stone New York’s largest meetings and conventions resort destination will transform tourism and economic development in the region for decades to come, allowing us to continue diversifying our enterprises, attract larger events, and compete with the country’s top business and leisure travel destinations.”
Turning Stone marked the completion of the project and opening of The Grand Expo with a gala attended by members of the Oneida Indian Nation, elected officials, and business and tourism leaders. The evening concluded with a drone and fireworks show.
