Published on: September 16, 2025, 09:55h.
Updated on: September 16, 2025, 10:03h.
- Foxwoods Resort Casino has officially shut down the Shrine Nightclub.
- Nightclubs are experiencing a decline in popularity, with younger demographics focusing more on their health.
Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut is the latest establishment to close its nightclub, reflecting a nationwide shift among gaming venues to rethink their expansive spaces.
Last Friday, Foxwoods officials from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced the definitive closure of the Shrine Nightclub, alongside the shut down of the casino’s Red Lantern restaurant.
Details about what will replace Shrine, which spanned 22,000 square feet and accommodated over 1,000 guests, have not been disclosed. The venue, managed by Big Night Entertainment Group, frequently featured DJs and hosted performances in hip-hop, pop, and techno genres.
The Boston-based Big Night Entertainment is also known for clubs like Memoire and Mystique at Encore Boston Harbor.
“Foxwoods is embarking on a new phase of nightlife. While we close the chapter on Shrine Nightclub, we are excited about what’s next—an innovative venue that will redefine experiences in the Northeast, with more thrilling updates coming soon,” a Foxwoods statement shared with Boston 25 News revealed.
Shrine garnered an average rating of three out of five stars on Google, with several reviews citing dissatisfaction with service, particularly from bartenders and bouncers.
Trends in Nightclub Closures
The closure of Shrine at Foxwoods is part of a larger pattern seen across various casinos announcing nightclub shutdowns.
In Atlantic City, Borgata, the premier venue, shut down Premier Nightclub recently. MGM Resorts has not yet confirmed plans for what will take the place of the 18,000-square-foot club but indicated their commitment to evolving the nightlife landscape.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Drai’s at The Cromwell is being relocated from its prime rooftop location to the casino’s basement as part of Caesars Entertainment’s renovation, which will also encompass the Vanderpump Hotel. Drai’s will transition from a sprawling 65,000 square foot space to a more compact 13,000 square foot venue.
Decline in Nightclub Popularity?
There is a noted decline in nightclub attendance, particularly among younger adults who show less inclination for late-night partying compared to previous generations.
“The lively nights of dancing with friends in crowded bars have shifted to quiet evenings at home, often binge-watching shows like ‘Severance.’ The U.S. has long been a hub for nightlife, especially in key cities like New York, Miami, and Las Vegas, yet this trend appears to be fading among younger patrons,” noted Joseph Gesmer, an undergraduate research assistant at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business, in the Michigan Journal of Economics this year.
“Despite the burgeoning popularity of house music and social media promotion, nightclubs continue to close, putting many industry jobs at risk. A significant factor is the reduced drinking habits among young Americans, leading to declining alcohol sales for these venues. With an increasing number of younger individuals uninterested in alcohol culture, more nightclubs face the challenge of attracting an audience eager to celebrate,” Gesmer elaborated.