Published on: October 30, 2025, 12:07h.
Updated on: October 30, 2025, 12:07h.
- Turning Stone’s $380 million project set to complete in 2026
- The Oneida Nation is committed to maintaining its status as a leading convention hub in Upstate New York
In the summer of 2023, Turning Stone Resort Casino revealed its most extensive expansion ever, with a total investment of $370 million, initially planned for completion in 2027 but now scheduled to open next year, according to tribal officials.
Turning Stone began as a bingo facility in July 1993 and has since transformed into one of the largest gaming venues in the nation.
Managed by the Oneida Indian Nation, the tribe unveiled an expansive initiative titled “The Next 30” just over two years ago.
This investment aims to double the resort’s convention capacity through a 77,000-square-foot addition. A 30,000-square-foot ballroom will offer views of the Shenendoah Golf Course and the Great Lawn of The Lodge. Additional features include renovated accommodations for the hotel’s 825 guest rooms and the construction of a new tower with 258 rooms, along with a parking garage housing 1,600 spaces.
Located in Verona, approximately a 40-minute drive east of Syracuse, Turning Stone offers 2,000 slot machines, 66 live dealer table games, one of the largest bingo halls globally, as well as a sportsbook.
On Track for Completion
Recently, officials from the Oneida Nation announced that construction on the $370 million development is progressing ahead of schedule.
“The Turning Stone Evolution is a visionary investment aimed at attracting new visitors to Upstate New York while providing compelling reasons for them to return,” said Ray Halbritter, Chief Executive Officer of Turning Stone Enterprises. “What the Evolution will create enables us to compete with premier tourism and event destinations nationwide, such as New York City, Chicago, and Orlando. We want to showcase that Upstate New York indeed offers comparable, if not superior, amenities.”
Halbritter stated that the extensive $370 million revamp is now expected to be completed in 2026. The new accommodations, referred to as The Crescent Hotel, will begin welcoming guests on June 29, 2026, with the Grand Expo conference center opening on Labor Day.
When the new meeting spaces are operational, Turning Stone will boast 200,000 square feet of event space, positioning it as “New York’s largest meetings and conventions resort.”
The Crescent Hotel will feature Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, touted by the tribe as the “culmination of dining at Turning Stone” and a culinary experience unmatched in the region.
Competing in a Crowded Market
By year-end, New York is projected to approve up to three new casinos in the downstate region, with three bids remaining: one in the Bronx and two in Queens.
These extensive multi-billion dollar casino proposals entail large event spaces designed to draw significant conventions and exhibitions in the Northeast. The Oneida Nation is banking on its capability to continually attract substantial MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events.