T
urning Stone Resort Casino is gearing up for the post-pandemic future with a multi-million renovation project that is adding new venues and upgrading existing ones, reports Syracuse.
The ongoing project includes improvements to The Showroom, which hosts major touring acts; a new upscale bar in The Lodge; the reopening of a new-look buffet; and enhancements to the resort’s wedding and conference facilities.
The Oneida Indian Nation, which operates Turning Stone along with smaller casinos in Chittenango, Bridgeport, and Sylvan Beach calls, calls the project “The Best Never Rest.”
It comes as Turning Stone, the Oneidas’ signature property, is nearing its 28th anniversary and continues to receive national recognition for its amenities.
Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter,5 said: “As we approach our 28th anniversary, many things about Turning Stone have changed over the last year, but one thing hasn’t, our belief that if we’re not growing and improving, we are just moving backward. These renovations are also a sign of a ‘return to normal’ for so many. We spent the last year preparing for the return of concerts, weddings, events, and tourism in general by transforming parts of the resort that will greatly enhance our guest experience and maintain our status as New York’s premier destination casino resort.”
Turning Stone reopened its gaming floor and some dining venues last June following its own set of health protocols that mirrored much of the state guidelines, after closing for a few months early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the state, it has been easing up on the restrictions in recent months.
The Showroom, like the resort’s other live entertainment venues, The Event Center, is just now getting back to booking acts for later in 2021.
The Showroom renovations include a contemporary redesign, with dark mahogany woods, premium stadium-style seats, a new bar in the atrium and a modernized sound system, and enhanced theatrical lighting.
The Showroom plans to book some local acts soon as a test run, for the new sound and lighting systems, said Joel Barkin, the Oneida Indian Nation’s vice president for communications.
At The Lodge, the resort’s all-suite hotel, the big new feature is a 25-foot cherrywood and quartz bar in the Great Room. It overlooks the Great Lawn and golf course. The Lodge is a Forbes 4-star rated hotel.
In a few weeks, Turning Stone will announce a new name and format changes for its buffet, which has been closed throughout the pandemic. The status of the buffet has been the most frequently asked question by visitors, Barkin said.
Other ongoing work at the casino includes new decor and guest amenities at The Shenendoah Clubhouse, the resort’s major wedding venue; and new decor at the Cypress Conference Center, a meeting venue.
Turning Stone is just off state Thruway exit 33 at 5218 Patrick Road in Verona, New York.