The Oneida Indian Nation has announced an accelerated launch schedule for its Turning Stone Evolution project, with key components now set to open in 2026 rather than the originally planned 2027.
The Crescent Hotel and Salt Seafood & Raw Bar will debut on 29 June 2026, followed by The Grand Expo conference center on Labor Day 2026.
Upon completion, The Grand Expo will establish Turning Stone as New York State's largest meetings and conventions resort, featuring 200,000 square feet of event space.
The facility includes two ballrooms, with the Grand Ballroom capable of accommodating nearly 2,000 guests and offering a dedicated outdoor terrace.
A 25,000-square-foot courtyard will serve as a centerpiece for outdoor events, weddings and business receptions.
The Crescent Hotel adds 258 luxury guest rooms and suites with direct indoor access to conference facilities, restaurants and gaming areas. Its seventh-floor Salt Seafood & Raw Bar offers dining experiences with panoramic landscape views and private dining rooms featuring heated three-season terraces.
The $370m expansion includes a 1,600-space parking garage - doubling existing indoor capacity - and an on-site medical center.
The Oneida Indian Nation says the development represents a generational investment in Upstate New York, projecting more than $600m in one-time economic impact and over 3,500 construction-related jobs. Vendor spending reached $263m with New York State businesses, including $161m within local Oneida, Madison and Onondaga counties.
Turning Stone Enterprises will hire 350 new employees in early 2026 across hospitality, culinary, sales and operational departments.
Good to know: Reservations for The Grand Expo are currently being accepted, with hotel bookings opening in early 2026
