Turning Stone Releases New “Return to Live” Survey: 73% of Guests Eager to Attend Live Events; 65% Willing to Travel More Than 120 Miles for Live Events

Turning Stone surveyed more than 30,000 guests and found an overwhelming majority of those surveyed are eager to attend live events, are looking for more intimate venues, and would be willing to travel more than 120 miles to see a live show. These survey results come in advance of the grand reopening of the all-new Showroom, which includes an updated contemporary design, a new bar in the newly added atrium, and a new state-of-the-art sound system that will elevate the concert experience. The renovations are expected to be complete later this summer and reopen for live entertainment in September.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (June 17, 2021) – Turning Stone Resort Casino released the results of a recent survey of more than 30,000 guests who have attended an event at the resort in the last two-years  about their willingness to attend live entertainment and events post-COVID.  Turning Stone’s “Return to Live Survey” found that a large majority of people are eager to attend live events again, primarily in an intimate venue with fewer than 1,000 seats, and would be willing to travel more than 120 miles to see a live show.

Key findings from Turning Stone’s survey include:

• 92% miss attending live entertainment and events
• 73% are eager to attend live events again
• 65% are willing to travel more than 120 miles to attend live events
• 76% are looking for live events in intimate venues (up to 1,000 seats)

As an award-winning destination for live entertainment, Turning Stone is encouraged by these survey results as it prepares to host concerts and live entertainment. Last week, Turning Stone announced that it is unveiling a series of multi-million dollar renovations across the resort ahead of its 28th anniversary in July, including a significant overhaul of The Showroom. The renovations in The Showroom will modernize the look and create an all-new experience in the resort’s intimate entertainment venue. The all-new Showroom includes: 

• State-of-the-art sound system that will provide perfect acoustics for every performance genre;
• New contemporary design, featuring dark mahogany woods and shades of deep purples and violets;
• More than 650 premium stadium-style seats;
• All-new bar in the newly added atrium.

“These survey results are very encouraging as they indicate our guests are eager to attend live performances again, which we know is also a significant driver of tourism in our region,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “This is also great news for the local music scene in Central New York. We take great pride in showcasing local talent in our venues and introducing our guests who come from all over the county to the best our region has to offer.”

The Showroom construction is expected to be complete later this summer, in preparation of reopening for live entertainment again in September. New shows for The Showroom will be announced shortly.

About the State-of-the-Art Sound and Lighting System

The new modernized audio system inside The Showroom will be an L'Acoustics system, a world-renowned audio manufacturer who has revolutionized acoustic technology for installations in concert halls, performing arts theaters to touring festivals.

Turning Stone will also work with another best in category partner to install the state-of-the-art audio and lighting system – ProSound – whose projects range from the world’s most celebrated performing arts centers to convention centers, including the revitalization of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, VA.  ProSound’s philosophy about sound design is that they “develop systems with the understanding that they don’t just transmit sound; they transfer emotion.”

Leading up to its 28th anniversary on July 21st, Turning Stone will continue to announce details about its multi-million dollar investments into the property, including a new buffet concept, and renovations within some of the region’s most popular wedding and meeting spaces.