The Oneida Indian Nation today announced details of its $370 million capital investment in the evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino, the largest in the resort’s history. The two-year transformation will include a new conference center, outdoor event spaces, hotel and more. The evolution continues the Oneida Indian Nation’s commitment to investment in the region, its enterprises and team members with a $616 million one-time economic impact, the creation of 3,600 one-time jobs and $22.1 million in state and local tax revenues.
Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (July 21, 2023) – The Oneida Indian Nation today announced details of its $370 million capital investment in the largest evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino in two decades. More than an expansion, this reinvestment will be a complete evolution of the region’s premier resort destination with a new conference center, outdoor event spaces, hotel, and more to fully reimagine Turning Stone for generations to come. The Nation has partnered with world-renowned architecture and design firm Gensler, and will break ground on this massive two-year project early next year. Along with its $370 million reinvestment, the Turning Stone evolution will generate a $616 million one-time economic impact, create 3,600 one-time jobs and generate $22.1 million in state and local tax revenues.
(Renderings of the Turning Stone Evolution)
A New 77,000-Square-Foot Conference Center
Turning Stone’s evolution will double its existing conference space with new indoor and outdoor event spaces that include:
- Eight new meeting rooms, many with outdoor patios
- Two new ballrooms, including a 30,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with a terrace overlooking the Shenendoah Golf Course and The Lodge’s Great Lawn
- An outdoor courtyard with three new events spaces
- A new indoor parking garage with 2,000 parking spaces and easy access to the conference center
When complete, these new facilities will make Turning Stone Upstate New York’s largest convention center and one of just three venues of the same size and caliber in the state. Along with its existing facilities and partnerships, the new conference center will expand the resort’s and the region’s marketing reach throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and New England and to new industries while attracting larger and more prestigious organizations and events.
A New Hotel, New Restaurant and Extensive Updates to Existing Lodging
To accommodate an increase in conference and event guests, the evolution will also include construction of The Crescent. The new Four-Diamond hotel will greet guests with stunning architecture for a memorable impression and feature:
- 258 rooms, including 23 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites for an elevated experience
- A welcoming lobby featuring a fireplace with lounge seating, a quick-service cafe and VIP lounge
- Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, the newest fine dining destination from Turning Stone’s award-winning culinary team, with five private dining rooms featuring outdoor patios
Existing lodging at Turning Stone will also undergo a transformation as renovations continue at The Lodge to maintain its Forbes Four Star award-winning standards and The Hotel becomes The Brook, taking a new name in tribute to the region’s beautiful waterways and offering a fresh, modern aesthetic throughout.
NY Rec & Social Club Comes to Exit 33
In December 2023, The Lounge with Caesars Sportsbook will move to the latest nightlife destination at Turning Stone’s Exit 33, NY Rec & Social Club (formerly Lava Nightclub). The new entertainment destination will offer a timeless experience with modern amenities that include:
- More than 60 high-definition screens
- Plush seating
- Cozy fan caves
- Entertainment options that include pool, foosball, shuffleboard and arcade games
- An outdoor patio with fire pits, comfortable seating and blackjack
An Onsite Medical Center for Employees and Guests
The team member experience at Turning Stone and across the Nation’s enterprises will continue to evolve as well with the construction of a 5,000-square-foot onsite medical center. Created in partnership with Rome Health and accessible to all team members, their families and resort guests, the medical center will offer urgent, primary, convenience and cardiology care with expanded hours covering evenings, weekends and holidays.
Other Additions to Turning Stone
- A Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf practice area with a driving range and short game area to support the resort’s championship golf courses
- More than 120 electric vehicle chargers, including 36 Tesla Superchargers, installed across Nation lands in partnership with Tesla for guests and employees
Oneida Nation Enterprises to Become Turning Stone Enterprises
In recognition of the constant evolution that has defined the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises for three decades, Oneida Nation Enterprises, the parent organization for the Nation’s business operations, will also undergo an evolution. On October 1st, Oneida Nation Enterprises will become Turning Stone Enterprises. The new organizational identity recognizes the important role of Turning Stone in setting the standard for all of the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises and the essential contributions of every team member, regardless of where they work, in establishing and upholding this standard.
The Economic Impact of Turning Stone and the Oneida Indian Nation
Since its creation 30 years ago, Turning Stone has served as an engine for economic development and job creation in Upstate New York. An economic impact analysis conducted by Oxford Economics, one of the world’s foremost independent global advisory firms, reported that in 2022 alone, Turning Stone and the Oneida Indian Nation’s other enterprises generated a more than $1 billion economic impact within the region and annually supported more than 7,000 jobs, including the Nation’s 4,500 employees. The $370 million investment in Turning Stone’s evolution will also generate thousands of construction jobs and millions of dollars in revenue due to the resulting increase in guests and regional tourism to follow.
2023 also marks the 10th anniversary of the historic Settlement Agreement between the Oneida Indian Nation, New York State and Oneida and Madison Counties. Since its adoption, the agreement has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for local communities and helped create strong partnerships between the Nation and regional governments and businesses. These partnerships have been instrumental in the mutual success of the Oneida Indian Nation and the region and will continue to be so for the next 30 years and beyond.
“The Turning Stone Evolution is much more than just an expansion,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO. “It is nothing less than a full evolution of the region’s premier destination and its role as an economic leader. Together with our existing facilities and partnerships, the new conference center will make Turning Stone and Central New York an even more desirable destination for larger and more prestigious events.”
