'Exit 33' Entertainment Complex Opens at Turning Stone Resort Casino with BBQ Restaurant, Dance Hall, Rock & Roll Club, Bars & More

Turning Stone Resort Casino's new multi-venue entertainment complex, "Exit 33," held a VIP grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The complex opens to the public this evening. The first facility of its kind in Upstate New York, "Exit 33" is a $25 million expansion project created by the Oneida Nation that is a destination unto itself. Designed to bring four unique venues under one roof, "Exit 33" offers nightlife and dining choices with distinctly different themes.

"Exit 33" will house these distinct venues:

• Tin Rooster - BBQ restaurant and dance hall featuring an authentic country atmosphere with a modern approach. Live bands and DJ's playing continuous country favorites and a large dance floor. Open daily at 5:00 p.m., with no cover charge
• Turquoise Tiger - A sophisticated lounge and cocktail bar, inspired by 1940's film noir. Entertainment will run the spectrum from songstresses, and lively piano players, to comedians, and more. Open daily at 5:00 p.m., with a cover charge beginning at 8:00 p.m.
• The Gig - A rock & roll club, featuring local and regional acts to fill the club with energy and excitement, and even square off in Battle of the Bands contests. The menu will feature NY-Style pizza and a full selection of drinks. Open Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a cover charge.
• Atrium Bar - A sleek lounge, featuring a vibrant crowd, full bar and sushi menu. Open daily at 4:00 p.m., with no cover charge.

"As the region's premiere entertainment destination and resort, we understand expectations are high when we open something new," said Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. "Exit 33 is Turning Stone's most exciting and original creation yet, and sets a new standard of excellence in entertainment. Exit 33 ensures that Turning Stone will continue to be the first choice for entertainment in this region for years to come, and we are certain that people will travel from near and far to experience everything it has to offer."

The building of "Exit 33" created nearly 300 jobs for local construction workers, building trades craftsmen, and suppliers. The Oneida Nation has also created more than 125 permanent jobs for the operation of "Exit 33," further increasing one of the largest workforces in Central New York. The "Exit 33" project was built on-budget and on-schedule. Work began on "Exit 33" in November 2012, with an opening targeted for July 2013 to coincide with Turning Stone's 20th anniversary.

The hugely popular Lava Nightclub will also continue its regular operating schedule, adding to the diverse appeal of "Exit 33." A new interior entrance connects Lava directly to the "Exit 33" complex.

Federal and state officials, and other leaders are expressing their support for the new "Exit 33" multi-venue entertainment complex:

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY - "The establishment of a new job-creating entertainment and tourism complex, built with local labor, is good news for Central New York. With today's official opening of "Exit 33," the Oneida Nation will attract patrons from both near and far, offering a first glimpse of its local investment that will be a part of Central New York's entertainment landscape for years to come."

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. - "I want to congratulate Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter for the completion of this magnificent project. This expansion highlights why the Oneida Nation and the County of Oneida are proud to be neighbors and partners. This is solid economic development for our county and our region. This project adds to the largest workforce in Oneida County and is another step in building one of the most impressive destination resorts in the entire world."

NYS Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi, R-Utica - "The opening of "Exit 33" will bring more tourism dollars to our community, fostering economic growth within the Mohawk Valley. The positive impact of this project has already been felt by local union workers in its construction, and with its opening, new permanent jobs are now being added to the local workforce. I commend the Oneida Nation for continuing to invest in our area, and for helping to make Oneida County a major tourist destination."

Pat Costello, Area Representative of the Central and Northern New York Building Trades - "Our workers feel so proud to be have built the "Exit 33" entertainment complex. We always told Mr. Halbritter and the Oneida Nation, that if you want this project built right and built on time, that we would get it done. Exit 33 is another example that proves the Oneida Nation's commitment to using local labor. It helps our workers and their families, and it helps the entire economy of this region."

Kelly Blazosky, President, Oneida County Tourism - "The expansion of entertainment activities with the completion of "Exit 33" provides yet another unique experience and reason for people to choose to visit Oneida County and Turning Stone. I commend the Oneida Nation for its vision and continued investment in Oneida County's tourism industry."