Construction on the Turning Stone Resort Casino’s $370 million expansion — the largest in its history — is advancing faster than expected. Initially targeted for 2027, the Oneida Indian Nation now projects the full opening for summer 2026, transforming the Verona resort into New York’s largest convention and events destination.

The expansion, known as Turning Stone Evolution, includes the 258-room Crescent Hotel and the Grand Expo conference center. Nation officials confirmed that the Crescent Hotel will welcome guests on June 29, 2026, followed by the Grand Expo on Labor Day weekend. Once completed, Turning Stone will offer more than 1,000 rooms across four hotels and over 225,000 square feet of combined meeting and convention space.

A Major Step for Upstate New York Tourism

Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said the expansion represents a strategic reinvestment into the region. “The Turning Stone Evolution is a transformational investment in bringing new people to Upstate New York and giving them reasons to return,” he said. “Everything the Evolution is creating will allow us to compete with some of the top tourism and events markets in the country—destinations like New York City, Chicago, Orlando and more—and demonstrate what we have always known about Upstate New York: that we have everything these destinations offer and more.”

The Oneidas describe the project as the most significant construction effort since the resort opened in 1993. The initiative adds a state-of-the-art events complex, a fine dining seafood restaurant, expanded parking, and an on-site medical center. It also underscores the Nation’s confidence in Upstate New York’s potential as a premier tourism hub.

The project has already created over 3,500 construction and related jobs and generated an economic impact surpassing $600 million. Partnering with the Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council, the Oneidas emphasized hiring local union labor. Once operational, the expansion will add approximately 350 permanent positions across hospitality, culinary, innovation, and environmental services.

The Crescent Hotel and Grand Expo

The Crescent Hotel will feature 258 upscale rooms and suites, a private entrance, and seamless indoor connections to the gaming floor, restaurants, and event venues. Its highlight is Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, a new culinary concept by Turning Stone’s award-winning chefs, known for their Forbes Four Star recognition. Located on the hotel’s seventh floor, the restaurant will showcase panoramic views, private dining options, and heated outdoor terraces designed for three-season use.

The Grand Expo, spanning 165,000 square feet, will double the resort’s event capacity. It includes two large ballrooms — including a Grand Ballroom — and a 25,000-square-foot courtyard designed to host weddings, business conferences, and large gatherings for up to 2,000 guests.

Design and construction are being handled by some of the industry’s top firms. Gensler, the renowned San Francisco-based architectural company, led the project’s design. TN Ward Company of Pennsylvania is overseeing hotel construction, while Syracuse-based Hayner Hoyt Corporation manages the Grand Expo build. The expansion also involves more than 60 subcontractors, 60 of which are based in New York State.

Halbritter credited meticulous project oversight for the timely progress: “We have weekly meetings, just being vigilant and staying on top of things,” he said. “And of course we have very good construction partners.”

Beyond its physical footprint, the Turning Stone Evolution reinforces the Nation’s economic influence in Central New York. The $370 million investment adds to the Oneida Indian Nation’s long-standing role as a driver of regional growth. A 2022 Oxford Economics study found that Turning Stone and the Nation’s associated businesses generated over $1 billion in economic impact within the area.

Local leaders praised the scope of the development. “One thing we know about the Oneida Indian Nation — they don’t think small,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, as reported by Syracuse.com. “When they do something, they go big, and this project is huge for our community.”

Reservations for events at the Grand Expo are already open, while hotel bookings for the Crescent will begin in early 2026.