Country music Superstar Honored during Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Celebration Weekend; Wilson Joined a Star-studded Red-Carpet also featuring 50 Cent, Kyle Cooke, Flo Rida and More to Help Celebrate Mohegan Sun’s Big Milestone
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 12, 2026) – During a special backstage ceremony ahead of her sold-out performance on Saturday, October 10th, country music superstar Lainey Wilson was inducted into Mohegan Sun Arena’s Walk of Fame by Mohegan Tribal Chairman James Gessner Jr., Mohegan Sun President & General Manager Jeff Hamilton, and Mohegan VP of Sports & Entertainment Joe Soper. Wilson became the 43rd inductee, joining a roster that includes Kevin Hart, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Bon Jovi and many other acclaimed entertainers who have multiple sell-out shows at Mohegan Sun Arena. The honor came during Mohegan Sun’s30th Birthday Celebration Weekend that began on October 9th and also featured a sold-out solo performance by John Mayer, a concert by Flo Rida in the legendary Wolf Den, a special appearance performance that electrified Uncas Ballroom by 50 Cent, and additional entertainment, promotions and festivities across the property, including a ceremonial birthday cake cutting led by reality television star Kyle Cooke.
The Walk of Fame honor carried added significance for Wilson, who reminded fans early in her sold-out show that Mohegan Sun played an important role in her rise in country music. “We’re so happy to be back y’all. We got a lot to celebrate. Mohegan Sun was our very first Arena show we ever headlined, and we had to come back!” Wilson told the crowd.
To view images from Lainey Wilson’s special walk of fame induction and her sold-out concert, click HERE
“Lainey Wilson has a special place in Mohegan Sun Arena history and to have her return and help us celebrate our blowout 30th Birthday weekend makes this Walk of Fame honor extra special,” -said Joe Soper, VP of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan. “It was a thrill recognize her success, impact and valued partnership with Mohegan Sun just prior to her delivering another incredible sell-out performance.”
Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Celebration Weekend brought a wide range of celebrities to the resort’s red-carpet affair ahead of the 30th Birthday Party in the Uncas Ballroom that kicked-off at 10:00pm on Saturday. Notable guests included celebrity chef Bobby Flay, TV personality and culinary expert Antoni Porowski, Summer House star Kyle Cooke, hip-hop legend Jadakiss, social media personalities Demi and Tom Schweers, comedian Chris Klemens, Sopranos actor Vincent Curatola, renowned ring announcer Michael Buffer and several stars from The Real Housewives franchise, including Teresa Giudice, Kelsey Swanson, Dorinda Medley, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, Erin Lichy and Sai De Silva.
Images of 50 Cent’s special performance at the 30th Birthday Celebration can be viewed HERE
Additional headlining 30th Birthday Celebration imagery, including John Mayer’s sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena concert on October 9th, click HERE
Mohegan Sun first welcomed guests on October 12, 1996, ushering in a new era of world-class entertainment and thrilling gaming in the Northeast. A major expansion elevated the property in 2001 with the debut of Mohegan Sun Arena, The Shops at Mohegan Sun, Sky Tower and Casino of the Sky, propelling Mohegan Sun to one of the most successful integrated entertainment destinations in the United States. Today, Mohegan Sun attracts more than 7 million visitors annually and has spent three decades creating unforgettable moments, from the “Fight of the Century” between Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward in 2001, to a 10-show sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena residency by Billy Joel and a record-breaking Barret-Jackson Northeast Auction event in 2016. Named “Best Casino Hotel” seven times by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, additional milestones include the opening of Mohegan Sun Golf Club in 2007, the grand opening of Earth Tower in 2016, rolling out Earth Expo & Convention Center in 2018, opening TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge in 2021, and launching the 11,000-square-foot Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook in 2022. Most recently, the property rolled out four acclaimed new offerings including Beauty & Essex, The Shed Restaurant, The Farm Italy at Ballo Italian, Sift Bake Shop & A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons.
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 16, 2026) – The 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame will celebrate a historic induction class on Saturday, October 10th at Mohegan Sun, including a special honor for former New England featherweight and super featherweight champion, Joey Negron of Bridgeport. A special ceremony taking place inside Mohegan Sun’s Earth Ballroom is slated for 6:00pm, with tickets available HERE via Eventbrite. The full class of 2026 being recognized at the event are Luis Rosa Sr., Kent Ward, Ken Ezzo, Fernely Feliz Sr., and Rich Cappiello.
After a slow start in 1986, 18-year old Joey Negron caught fire, going undefeated in his next 10 bouts. The streak included a victory over Mike Cappiello to capture the USA New England super featherweight title in May 1991 in Fall River, MA. Soon after Negron scored a TKO over Julio DeJesus to win the USA New England featherweight crown. He successfully defended the title in February 1992 with a TKO victory over Carlos Vergara.
Although he lost his final two pro bouts in Florida and finished with a career record of 14-7-4, Negron faced formidable competition. He retired after six rounds against former world champion John John Molina, who owned a 42-4 record when they met in October 1997. In May 1998, Negron dropped a decision to the undefeated Frank Olsen, who entered the fight with a 25-0 record. As an amateur, Negron was a New York State Golden Gloves champion.
In 2009, Luis Rosa Sr. founded the Boxing in Faith Gym in New Haven, CT with his wife Marilyn. He has earned praise for his ability to mentor and train both amateur and professionals that have come to his gym. One of the best prospects to come out of the gym was his son, Luis Rosa Jr., who passed away in a tragic auto accident in 2018.
A fixture on the New London, CT boxing scene for years because of his leadership, knowledge and dedication as a trainer at the Whaling City Athletic Club, Kent Ward earned further acclaim when he established Championship Rounds, which is a program for boxers with disabilities like Parkinson’s Disease.
Since 2005, Ken Ezzo has been a prominent referee and judge in the amateur and professional ranks in Connecticut. Ezzo is also a recognized historian of the sport, specializing in boxing’s golden era of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
A Dominican Republic native, Fernely Feliz Sr. is a former professional heavyweight who now runs the Champs Boxing Gym in Danbury, CT. He trains sons Ali and Fernely Jr, the latter of whom is an undefeated prospect.
One of the most prominent promoters in New England, Rich Cappiello was honored earlier this year with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nolan Brothers Boxing. In addition to being involved with “The Contender” reality show, Cappiello has been lauded for his contributions to the Rocky Marciano Foundation. From 1996-2013, Cappiello promoted several events that featured Connecticut fighters.
Recognitions at the 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Ceremony also include:
Kamarre Kemp for “Amateur Boxer of the Year.”
Chordale Booker for “Pro Boxer of the Year”
Marilyn Rosa for “Pro Official of the Year”
Phyllis Roy for “Amateur Official of the Year”
Paul Cichon for “Trainer of the Year”
And finally, the “Contribution to Boxing” award will be presented to Kirk Lang, a longtime journalist and advocate for the sport throughout Connecticut. The late Mark Foster will also receive the “Willie Pep Courage Award.”
For more information on the 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, visit ctboxinghof.com
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 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.
Further Recognitions Include a Record Ninth ACM “Casino of the Year – Arena” Award
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 2, 2026) – Mohegan Sun has once again been recognized among the nation’s top casino destinations in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning an impressive four second-place finishes across highly competitive categories. The resort was named runner-up for Best Casino Hotel, Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, and Best Casino for Slots, which Mohegan Sun won during the inaugural year of the category in 2025. Additionally, The Farm Italy at Mohegan Sun earned a second-place ranking for Best Casino Restaurant. Mohegan Sun also received national recognition in the Best Players’ Club category for its loyalty rewards program, Momentum.
Nominees for all categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are selected by a panel of subject matter experts including editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and contributors across Gannett properties, before being opened to public voting. Readers then cast their votes over a four-week period on 10Best.com, which attracts more than 5 million visitors per month.
“Being recognized by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is always an honor,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “Earning so many high ranks is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of our team delivering such exceptional guest service. Whether visiting for a weekend getaway, world-class dining, entertainment, gaming or special celebrations, guests continue to choose Mohegan Sun as one of the best destinations in the country.”
Mohegan Sun is home to one of the most expansive casino floors in the US across both Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky. With nearly 4,000 slots, 300+ Table Games, an acclaimed poker room, various high-limit lounges and a massive Sportsbook home to a 140-foot-wide continuous video wall, the largest in Northeast, Mohegan Sun caters to every style of player, from casual guests to seasoned enthusiasts.
Beyond gaming, Mohegan Sun is home to a dining portfolio that has earned national acclaim. In addition to finishing in the top three for “Best Casino Restaurant” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice, The Farm Italy at Mohegan Sun was also recently named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. for its modern Italian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and immersive atmosphere.
The 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena was also recognized as “Casino of the Year – Arena“ by the Academy of Country Music for the 61st ACM Awards. Voted on by ACM members representing artists, musicians, producers, talent buyers, promoters and other music industry professionals, the honor marked the ninth time Mohegan Sun Arena has earned this top ACM Industry Award. As one of the nation’s premier entertainment venues, Mohegan Sun Arena hosts more than 100 concerts annually, welcoming some of country music’s biggest stars throughout its 25-year history, including Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton and many more. Recent ACM “Entertainer of the Year” Lainey Wilson will also take the stage on Saturday, October 10th as part of Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Celebration. Additional headlining entertainment as part of this major milestone includes global superstars Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters, John Mayer and DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live!
“Winning ACM ‘Casino of the Year – Arena’ for a ninth time really speaks to the passion our team brings to every event at Mohegan Sun Arena,” said Joe Soper, VP of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan. “We host a diverse lineup of entertainment, regularly attracting sold-out crowds, and country music has certainly been at the forefront. We’re truly appreciative of the ACM, as well as the fans and artists who make recognition like this possible.”
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 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, the Parent Company of Mohegan Sun, was also Named to America’s Best-in-State Companies for 2026 by Forbes!
Mohegan Sun is thrilled to announce that the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena has been ranked “#1 Best Casino Concert Venue” in Newsweek’s2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition highlights Mohegan Sun Arena’s reputation as one of the premier entertainment destinations both regionally and throughout the country, delivering world-class performances and unforgettable experiences for fans at the tune of more than 125 concerts and sporting events per year.
The Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate excellence across industries, spotlighting organizations that consistently exceed expectations. Over a four-week voting period, Newsweek readers and industry experts cast their votes, honoring venues that exemplify exceptional guest experiences.
“Earning the #1 spot for “Best Casino Concert Venue” and ranking near the top in two other categories is an incredible honor for Mohegan Sun,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM. “These recognitions, along with being named to Forbes Best-in-State Companies for 2026, reflect the dedication of our team and inspire us to keep delivering world-class experiences for our guests.”
In addition to this achievement, Mohegan Sun also earned recognition in two other Newsweek Readers’ Choice categories:
The award-winning Mohegan Sun Arena sets the standard for entertainment, continually hosting top touring acts like Justin Timberlake, Megan Moroney, Matt Rife, Sting, RUSH, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and countless more. In late September of this year, Adam Sandler also played back-to-back sell-out shows inside Mohegan Sun Arena, while also being inducted into Mohegan Sun Arena’s Walk of Fame, joining the likes of Bon Jovi, Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift. The hit Netflix show My Next Guest with David Letterman, also filmed at Mohegan Sun Arena during these performances as part of a special episode on Adam Sandler.
The Forbes Best‑in‑State Companies for 2026 is also powerful endorsement of Mohegan’s excellence as a major casino & entertainment destination in southeastern Connecticut. Forbes analyzed over 50,000 companies nationwide—evaluating financial strength, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and growth—to highlight 750 standout businesses by state.
For more on upcoming shows and ticket information for Mohegan Sun Arena, including recently announced concerts like Meghan Trainor on July 4th, 2026, 5 Seconds of Summer on May 29th, 2026 or Chris Stapleton for back-to-back shows starting on Friday, February 27th, visit mohegansun.com/entertainment. For information on Mohegan Sun’s Momentum program, visit mohegansun.com/momentum. And for the latest enterprise-wide news for Mohegan, visit mohegangaming.com
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 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.
Prestigious industry recognition celebrates Mohegan Sun’s continued commitment to hosting world-class entertainment
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 9, 2025) – Mohegan Sun, home to two award winning venues including the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena as well as the iconic 350 seat Wolf Den in Uncasville, Connecticut, was honored in Nashville on Tuesday, October 7th, with its third International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Award for “Casino of the Year.” This prestigious global recognition celebrates Mohegan Sun Arena as one of the premier live entertainment venues in the world and represents the top honor bestowed by IEBA members comprised of leading talent buyers, promoters, and entertainment professionals across the industry.
“We’re always honored to be nominated for these impactful entertainment industry awards, let alone win,” said Tom Cantone, President of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible team that runs our venues and to the long-standing relationships we’ve built with agents and artists who love performing at Mohegan Sun Arena and experiencing our world-class resort.”
The International Entertainment Buyers Association Honors and Awards Ceremony took place October 7th in downtown Nashville’s Grand Hyatt. The awards are voted on by top entertainment executives in the nation including the biggest agencies, artist management groups and other arenas, theatres and clubs throughout the U.S.
This marks Mohegan Sun’s third IEBA award, joining previous wins in 2015 and 2017. Fallsview Casino Resort, a sister property within the Mohegan enterprise featuring the 5,000-seat OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, was also nominated for the Casino of the Year honor. This was the first time two venues from the same organization, located in different countries, have been recognized in the same category for the IEBA awards.
For a full list of winners and imagery from the 2025 IEBA Honors & Awards, visit facebook.com/iebaconference
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 the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena and the legendary Wolf Den . 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.
Nominees for all categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are selected by a panel of subject matter experts including editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and contributors across Gannett properties, before being opened to public voting. Readers then cast their votes over a four-week period on 10Best.com, which attracts more than 5 million visitors per month.
“Over the past two years, Mohegan Sun has invested $15 million in the slot floor to ensure we’re offering the newest and most exciting games across both Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Earth,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun. “Being named Best Casino Slots by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is a true testament to that commitment, as well as the exceptional service delivered by our gaming team. We’re equally proud to be recognized as runner-up in three additional major casino resort categories, an achievement that reflects the passion and excellence of our more than 5,000 team members at Mohegan Sun.”
This year has been an abundant award season for Mohegan Sun. The resort earned accolades for its dining, with Michael Jordan’s Steak House named “Best Casino Fine Dining” and TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge winning “Best Casino Casual Dining” in the Best of Connecticut 2025 awards, while Beauty & Essex was honored by Yankee Magazine as Connecticut’s “Best Immersive Dining Experience.” On the entertainment side, the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena was voted “Best Casino Performance Venue” in the Best of Connecticut 2025 awards and was spotlighted by Yankee Magazine as one of the “10 Best Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer,” further solidifying its reputation as one of the premier entertainment destinations in the region.
The ‘Best Casino for Slots’ honor arrives during a year in which Mohegan Sun has awarded various major jackpots, including $1,374,307 won by a lucky guest on the popular IGT game, Jumanji Next Level. A $5 bet on a Monopoly Cash Wheel game by Aristocrat Gaming also netted $412,607 for a Connecticut native visiting Mohegan Sun in early August. Mohegan Sun recently rolled out the Sky Slot Tournament Zone located near The Cabaret Theatre, featuring games like Wheel of Fortune, Hex Breaker and Cleopatra, all of which seamlessly switch between tournament mode and regular play.
For more information about Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com.
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, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. 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.
