Mohegan is excited to announce the appointment of Joe Soper as VP of Sports & Entertainment, where he will oversee strategy and programming for Mohegan Sun’s entertainment as well working collaboratively across Mohegan’s overall portfolio, which includes Mohegan Pennsylvania in Northeast Pennsylvania as well as Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara In Niagara Falls, Ontario, CA. Mohegan Sun is home to more than 120 concerts and sporting events annually inside the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena alone, which just recently announced two special 25th Anniversary shows with the legendary rock band, Metallica.
Joe Soper returns to Mohegan following his service on the Mohegan Tribal Council, where he has held the role of Corresponding Secretary since 2019. In this role, Soper was responsible for all correspondence issued by The Tribal Council, and for communicating all appropriate information from the Council to members of the Mohegan Tribe. Prior to his years on the Mohegan Tribal Council, Soper built a 15-year career at Mohegan Sun, first as a Senior Financial Analyst followed by serving as Director of Sports & Entertainment. In his leadership role as Director, Soper was a key asset in helping to grow Mohegan Sun Arena into one of the world’s busiest and most decorated live entertainment venues in the world, while also supporting booking, programming and development initiatives across Mohegan’s broader portfolio.
“Joe Soper is a proven leader with invaluable insight and expertise not only as it applies to Mohegan Sun’s Sports & Entertainment, but as it applies throughout our entire enterprise and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to lead one of the most dynamic areas of our business,” -said David Martinelli, CMO of Mohegan. “His dedication and experience will prove integral to the continued momentum in elevating the future of live entertainment at Mohegan Sun.”
As VP of Sports & Entertainment, Soper will not only oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day programming of Mohegan Sun’s robust entertainment but will also play a key role in cultivating and strengthening high-impact industry partnerships. This includes working closely with leading promoters like Live Nation, top music agencies such as CAA and WME, as well as major sports and entertainment organizations including WWE, to attract premier talent, secure first-to-market performances, and continue elevating Mohegan Sun’s position as a top-tier destination for live entertainment.
Soper attended Western New England University and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance.
ABOUT MOHEGAN
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.
Mohegan Sun’s All-New Reel Catch Food Truck Also Debuts
Summer once again starts early at Mohegan Sun as on Saturday, May 30th, the annual Summer Kick-Off event returns to the Sun Patio with live music, family-friendly fun and the official debut of Reel Catch, Mohegan Sun’s all-new seafood food truck. For this year’s festival, the first 250 guests will also receive a complimentary Six Flags ticket, courtesy of Coca-Cola, while the first 100 guests 21+ will also enjoy a free cocktail at the Sun Patio Bar.
The Summer Kick-Off at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio is free and scheduled for Saturday, May 30th, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The Summer Kick-off at Mohegan Sun welcomes all ages to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine, food, and music. Live entertainment will be provided by Rhode Island’s Madhatter Band.
Reel Catch Food Truck by Mohegan Sun
New to the annual Summer Kick-Off is the debut of Reel Catch, Mohegan Sun’s new seafood food truck, serving up fresh, coastal-inspired favorites. The menu highlights include Narragansett Fresh Catch Fish & Chips; fresh Maine hot and cold lobster rolls; lobster corn dogs; lobster grilled cheese; and classic New England clam chowder. Reel Catch will remain a permanent addition to the Sun Patio throughout the summer, giving guests a new go-to destination for seasonal seafood.
The event will also feature a lineup of other food trucks, ensuring a diverse range of options for attendees:
Yummy Wagon: Providing a selection of popular dishes.
Rubino’s Full Scoop: Serving frozen treats and desserts.
Guests can also take advantage of promotions during the annual Summer Kick-Off on the Sun Patio. The first 250 guests will receive a complimentary ticket to any Six Flags Parks location, courtesy of Coca-Cola (limit one per person). Additionally, the first 100 guests 21+ at the Sun Patio Bar will enjoy a complimentary cocktail, courtesy of Red Bull (Limit one per person). Seating by the fire pits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, enhancing the outdoor party experience.
Located near Casino of the Earth, the Sun Patio is a large open air space, equipped with a new state-of-the-art music stage, allowing guests to soak in the warmer weather. Sun Patio Bar will officially open at the Summer Kick-off event and then standard hours are Fridays from 3:00pm – midnight, Saturdays from Noon – midnight and on Sunday, Noon – 8:00pm. Sundays throughout summer at the Sun Patio Bar are also set to feature live acoustic music. Private events are also possible on the Sun Patio, and more information can be found by inquiring to: [email protected]
In addition to Summer Kick-off, Mohegan Sun guests can also enjoy phenomenal tribute acts throughout the summer every Friday evening beginning June 19th as part of the Party on the Sun Patio series. The annual Sun Tequila Tasting is also slated for Friday, May 8th starting at 8:00pm on the Sun Patio. For more information, visit mohegansun.com/sunpatio.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
World‑Renowned Vocal Trio Brings Their Acclaimed World Tour To Uncasville On Sunday, November 15th, 2026
UNCASVILLE, CT (April 8, 2026) –Today, world‑renowned vocal trio Il Volo announced they will bring their acclaimed World Tour to Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, November 15th, 2026 at 8:00pm. USA TODAY exclusively announced the fall 2026 tour dates this morning – read the interview and announcement HERE.
Tickets for Il Volo at Mohegan Sun Arena go on sale Friday, April 17th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster, and at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, April 18th, subject to availability.
Tomorrow, the internationally acclaimed group will celebrate their fall tour announcement and the upcoming kickoff of their spring tour in NYC this week with a very special performance at the TODAY Show at 9:00am ET/PT.
Il Volo is one of the biggest names in classical crossover pop worldwide, captivating audiences on every continent for 17 years now. With nearly one million followers on Instagram, over two million subscribers on YouTube, over three million likes on TikTok, and a rabid international fan base, the trio has reach across the globe, garnering over 1.1 billion views on YouTube and over 660 million global streams on Spotify alone.
Last summer, Il Volo performed in Rome in the presence of Pope Leo XIV, during the Giubileo dei Giovani, offering an intense moment of spiritual reflection that resonated deeply with the thousands of young people gathered in the city. The trio also took part in “Grace for the World”, a special global peace event that gathered international artists such as Pharrell Williams, Karol G, Andrea Bocelli, John Legend and many more for a powerful message of unity through music. Another major moment of the year was their recent appearance at the ATP Finals 2025 in Turin, where they opened the event with a powerful rendition of the “Inno di Mameli (Italian National Anthem)” in front of a sold-out arena and millions of viewers worldwide.
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for “Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America.” Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size from both Pollstar and VenuesNow. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been named the “World’s Best Casino Venue,” by Hartford Magazine, and is an eight-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and one from G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit the Mohegan Sun website. For this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is available in three convenient garages.
ERAS: An Unofficial Tribute to Taylor Swift’s Music returns to the Sun Patio stage for a special edition of the popular tribute concert
UNCASVILLE, CT (April 2, 2026) – Mohegan Sun cordially invites fans of all ages to celebrate a summer of love and rumored star-studded nuptials with a special wedding edition of Are You Ready For It? A Musical Tribute on Saturday, June 13th at the Sun Patio. Doors open at 4:30pm and live music from ERAS: An Unofficial Tribute to Taylor Swift’s Music begins at 6:00pm.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Admission prices will increase on the day of the event, subject to availability.
The popular tribute event, which Mohegan Sun has hosted on the Sun Patio every year since 2024, will be reimagined as a wedding-inspired celebration featuring friendship bracelets and necklace making, altar-worthy photo ops, and an electric performance from the nine-piece tribute band that celebrates every era of their namesake’s iconic career.
Delicious bites from food trucks like Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and The Whey Station will be available for purchase. The Sun Patio Bar will also feature special wedding-themed cocktails and mocktails inspired by the singer’s extensive catalog of hits.
The tribute concert is general admission and any picnic tables at the Sun Patio are first-come, first-served. Guests interested in reserved seating may book a fire pit in advance for up to eight guests. Fire pits will have an obstructed view of the stage, and event entry is sold separately.
Additionally, hotel packages are available for guests interested in extending their visits to Mohegan Sun and include an overnight stay and two tickets to the event.
To learn more about Are You Ready For It? A Musical Tribute (Wedding Version), visit mohegansun.com.
*This event is fan-sponsored and not endorsed by or affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Mohegan Sun Arena will host the 11x Grammy Award-winner Brandi Carlile on Friday, August 14th as her triumphant The Human Tour confirms new stops across North America. Special guests on the tour include Jensen McRae, I’m With Her, Gregory Alan Isakov, The Head and The Heart, Stephen Wilson Jr. and CMAT.
Tickets to Brandi Carlile with Special guest Jensen McRae at Mohegan Sun Arena go on sale Friday, March 20th via Ticketmaster, and will be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, March 21st.
Paid members of Carlile’s Bramily community are also given the first chance to purchase tickets starting Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00am local time. Visit bramily.com to become a paid Bramily member. Artist presale for North America starts Wednesday, March 18th at 10:00am local time. Register at brandicarlile.com/tour to receive a presale code.
The upcoming dates follow the acclaimed first leg of The Human Tour, which included shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden (two nights), Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and Boston’s TD Garden, of which The Boston Herald praised, “Brandi’s unmistakable vocal delivery with a towering band, her strange and perfect songs done with all the drama they deserve, her infectious enthusiasm for performing, all combined to prove she belongs in this big place. Even if she can make it feel so small.” The spring run also featured Be Human: A Concert for Minneapolis, “a monumental gig” (Rolling Stone) that raised over $700,000 for Minnesota’s The Advocates for Human Rights and was livestreamed from Carlile’s sold-out show at Minneapolis’ Target Center.
In the midst of yet another groundbreaking year, Carlile’s renowned new album, Returning To Myself—produced by Carlile, Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon—debuted at #7 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart this past fall. Stream/purchase HERE (Interscope Records/Lost Highway). Carlile was also recently honored as one of TIME’s 2026 Women of the Year, performed a “gorgeous” (Billboard) rendition of “America The Beautiful” at Super Bowl LX (watch HERE), returned to NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series and NBC’s Saturday Night Live as musical guest for the fourth time, was featured on The Howard Stern Show, NPR’s Wild Card with Rachel Martin and The Drew Barrymore Show,and spoke with The New York Times for an in-depth profile.
Critical acclaim for Returning To Myself:
“Carlile is a bona fide superstar whose compositions feel like instant classics”—NPR Music
“It has the luster and confidence of an artist realizing her prime, finding memory and maturity in the lyrics.”—The New York Times
“One of her finest efforts and one of the best albums of the year”—Variety
“It’s a record about navigating the second half of life with fortitude and not fear; and how the best way to do that is to remember where we came from, and who we got there with.” —Rolling Stone
“Remarkable…a mid-life crisis has never sounded quite this poetic”—Billboard
“For an artist already established as one of her generation’s brightest songwriters, this represents another significant evolution”—Rolling Stone U.K.
“Carlile’s eighth album does the difficult work of cracking open the soul to let flow her vulnerability. The songs succeed in their tasks: bringing her into a fresh creative moment where she flourishes”—Paste
“Stunning, introspective…feels like reuniting with an old friend”—A.V. Club
“A pearl from the new queen of Laurel Canyon…it never sounds less than gorgeous”—MOJO
“It’s a record of reinvention and rediscovery, filled with songs unlike any Carlile has made before, often leaning into her singer-songwriter side but painting with a different sonic palette” —The Seattle Times
“An album full of warmth and humanity”—The London Standard
Carlile is an Oscar-nominated and 11x Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, performer and producer, 2x EMMY-winning composer, lyricist and writer, #1 New York Times Bestselling author and activist, who is known as one of music’s most respected voices. Throughout her acclaimed career, Carlile has released eight studio albums including Who Believes in Angels?—the universally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated collaborative album with her childhood hero, Elton John—which debuted at #1 in the U.K. and top 10 in the U.S.
Additionally, Carlile is a renowned producer with recent Grammy-winning projects from Joni Mitchell and Brandy Clark. She also produced and recorded a rendition of Indigo Girls’ “Closer To Fine” with her wife, Catherine, which was included on Barbie The Album as well as a version of “Home,” which was featured in the final season of Ted Lasso. She received her first Oscar nomination in the Original Song category in January 2025 for “Never Too Late,” a Grammy-nominated track written alongside Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt for the Disney+ documentary of the same name.
Beloved by her peers, Carlile has collaborated with artists such as The Highwomen, Soundgarden, Sam Smith, Alicia Keys, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Jacob Collier, P!nk and Dolly Parton. Carlile was named OUT Magazine’s 2023 “Icon of the Year,” awarded Billboard’s Women In Music “Trailblazer Award,” CMT’s Next Women of Country “Impact Award” and NMPA’s 2023 Songwriter Icon Award and received multiple recognitions from the Americana Music Association.
On top of being a musician and writer, Carlile is a founder of the Looking Out Foundation, which has raised over $9 million for grassroots causes to date. Carlile lives in rural Washington state with her wife and two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah.
RETURNING TO MYSELF TRACKLIST
1. Returning To Myself
2. Human
3. A Woman Oversees
4. A War With Time
5. Anniversary
6. Church & State
7. Joni
8. You Without Me
9. No One Knows Us
10. A Long Goodbye
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for “Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America.” Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size from both Pollstar and VenuesNow. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been named the “World’s Best Casino Venue,” by Hartford Magazine, and is an eight-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and one from G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit the Mohegan Sun website. For this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is available in three convenient garages.
