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 29, 2025) – On Friday, September 26th, Mohegan Sun honored Adam Sandler as the 43rd inductee into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame, ahead of the second of two consecutive sold-out shows. The award-winning comedian, actor, and producer was presented with the Walk of Fame star by Tom Cantone, President of Sports and Entertainment at Mohegan, and Joe Soper of the Mohegan Tribal Council, during a special ceremony outside the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
“It is a true honor to welcome Adam Sandler into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame,” Cantone said before introducing Sandler amongst an outburst of cheers and applause.
Adam Sandler accepted the award in front of Mohegan Sun Arena where his star will be enshrined among other chart-topping performers such as Taylor Swift, Ringo Starr, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and more.
“I always have a blast performing at Mohegan Sun Arena,” Adam Sandler told the crowd after accepting the award. “As a comedian, stepping into a venue like this truly feels like home. Whenever I see Mohegan Sun on our tour schedule, I know it’s going to be a great couple of days.”
The Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame has honored artists like Matt Rife, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Luke Combs, Shinedown, Ringo Starr, and other long-time, sell-out acts that are enshrined outside of the Mohegan Sun Box Office forecourt. The Walk of Fame award seeks to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the success of Mohegan Sun Arena as the Northeast’s premier entertainment destination. All the inductees into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame have their name engraved on a plaque that will be permanently placed at the entrance to Mohegan Sun Arena.
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.
UNCASVILLE, CT (August 28, 2025) – The multi-platinum Rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is set to kick off a monumental winter tour including a return to Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, November 30th at 3:00pm and 8:00pm. This year’s tour will feature an all-new production of their beloved The Ghosts of Christmas Eve alongside a special second set of hits and fan-favorites that includes a 25th-anniversary salute to Beethoven’s Last Night. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: the Best of TSO and More tour promises to continue TSO’s tradition of captivating audiences nationwide with an unparalleled blend of Rock, Classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling.
Tickets to see the inducted Mohegan Sun Walk of Fame members go on sale Friday, September 12th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Subject to availability, TSO fans can also purchase tickets at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting on Saturday, September 13th.
The 2025 TSO tour promises a reimagined and expanded presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captivated multiple generations. A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder Paul O’Neilland based on TSO’s multi-platinum DVD TV special, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on December 24th. Following this powerful Rock Opera, the 2025 tour will also deliver a high-octane, visually stunning second set packed with more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan-favorites, and unexpected delights.
Musical Director/Guitarist Al Pitrelli said, “When I go back and listen to our songs, I am always amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. It’s been 25 years since we recorded Beethoven’s Last Night and it seems just like yesterday. We are excited to play pieces from the album and pay respects to the art and legacies of both the great composer and Paul O’Neill. I’m looking forward to watching the expressions on everyone’s face, with all the surprises we have in store. We can’t wait to get on the road.”
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s acclaimed Rock Opera Beethoven’s Last Night is set to make its vinyl debut on September 12th. This special 2LP set, which tells the dramatic tale of Ludwig van Beethoven’s final hours, blending his iconic melodies with Hard Rock and theatrical storytelling, will be available in two distinct editions: an exclusive lenticular cover and a red vinyl pressing. Fans can order their copies now at store.rhino.com/en/rhino-store/artists/trans-siberian-orchestra/ to commemorate this milestone for the beloved album.
TSO is also pleased to announce the return of a fan-favorite tradition: the TSO signing line. For the first time since 2019, every fan attending an evening performance will have the incredible opportunity to get one item signed by members of the group, completely free of charge.
Building on the monumental milestones celebrated in their last tour, TSO continues to redefine its success. With over 20 million concert tickets sold and a staggering more than $20 million donated to charity since their inception, TSO remains one of Rock’s most generous bands, proudly upholding Paul O’Neill’s vision, by contributing at least $1 from every ticket sold to local charities.
With an incredible $1 billion in gross sales, TSO’s remarkable and consistent appeal is reflected in recent industry accolades: Pollstar recognized TSO at “No. 4 for Top North America Tours” and at “No. 6 on their Top 100 Worldwide Tours” chart by gross for Midyear 2025, while Billboard placed them at “No. 5 in Midyear 2025 Top Ticket Sales” and “No. 13 on the Midyear 2025 Top Tours” chart. Adding to their impressive achievements, their iconic hit, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” has just surpassed 100 million streams across digital platforms, further cementing its status as a timeless holiday classic.
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.
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 17, 2024) – On Sunday, December 15th, Mohegan Sun honored iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli as the 42nd Walk of Fame inductee, ahead of his sold out Mohegan Sun Arena show. Tom Cantone, President of Sports and Entertainment at Mohegan, and Mohegan Sun’s Chief Marketing Officer Kim Noto, presented Bocelli with the Walk of Fame star.
“Mohegan Sun Arena is proud to induct a world-class artist like Andre Bocelli join the likes of Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen to our Arena Walk of Fame, and, at the same time, celebrate our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event.” Cantone noted before introducing Bocelli amid a roar of applause and enthusiasm. “He has now performed in front of over 30,000 people, a testament to Bocelli’s great fan base and the relationship Mohegan Sun has developed with headline entertainers like him over the years.”
The award was accepted by Andrea Bocelli in front of his most impassioned supporters.
“I know many of you prefer to hear me sing, but thank you all so much for being here tonight” Andrea Bocelli told the crowd after accepting the award. “This award is a great honor, and happy holidays to you all.”
The Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame has honored artists like Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Matt Rife, Shinedown, Ringo Starr, and other long-time, sell-out acts that are enshrined outside of the Mohegan Sun Box Office forecourt. The Walk of Fame award seeks to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the success of Mohegan Sun Arena as the Northeast’s premier entertainment destination. All the inductees into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame have their name engraved on a plaque that will be permanently placed at the entrance to Mohegan Sun Arena.
Andrea Bocelli has had an incredible year celebrating his 30th anniversary in music, which started with the Oscars performance by Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, the release of his new album Duets (Decca Records / Sugar Music), as well as the concert film Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration. Duets debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart and Classical Crossover Albums chart, marking his 22nd and 16th leaders on the lists, respectively, extending his record for the most No. 1s in each chart’s history. The celebration will continue this holiday season with the upcoming CBS network special, “CHRISTMAS WITH ANDREA BOCELLI AND FRIENDS: A GRAMMY HOLIDAY SPECIAL” airing Christmas Eve, Tuesday Dec. 24th at 8:00pm ET/PT on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
With nearly 90 million records sold worldwide, and one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry, Andrea Bocelli has sold out arena-sized concert events and performed record-breaking live-streams. Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned six GRAMMY® Award nominations and six Latin GRAMMY Award nominations, a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world today, 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 “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size in the world from Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena is also a seven-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) and G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
Special Walk of Fame induction to take place during Bocelli’s Appearance at Mohegan Sun’s annual Tree Lighting event outside on the Sun Patio
WHAT: Mohegan Sun is pleased to announce the 42nd Arena Walk of Fame inductee, six-time Grammy award-nominated iconic Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli. As one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry, Bocelli has performed inside Mohegan Sun Arena three times, with three sold-out shows and over 23,000 guests in attendance.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, December 15th at 6:00pm on The Sun Patio
WHO: Mohegan Sun’s Chief Marketing Officer: Kim Noto
Mohegan’s President of Sports & Entertainment: Tom Cantone
Andrea Bocelli
IN DETAIL: Bocelli returns to Mohegan Sun Arena for the first time in 15 years during his 2024 North American tour. Prior to his 7:30pm show inside Mohegan Sun Arena, the legendary performer will officially be inducted into Mohegan Sun’s Walk of Fame.
*Media interested in attending or photographing the ceremony can email Aaron Austin ([email protected])
Andrea Bocelli will also be a special guest during Mohegan Sun’s Second Annual Sun Patio Tree Lighting where he will help light up a massive Christmas Tree on the Sun Patio. This family-focused fun holiday gathering will feature complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and sweet treats. The Sun Patio Bar will also serve flavorful specialty cocktails. This event is open to all ages, and admission is free.
The Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame honors individuals who have made major contributions to Mohegan Sun’s success as the one of the busiest and most successful entertainment destinations in the world. The names of all those admitted into the Walk of Fame will be etched on a plaque that will be permanently displayed at the entrance of Mohegan Sun Arena. Other Walk of Fame inductees include Bon Jovi, Kevin Hart, Taylor Swift, Rod Stewart, Matt Rife, Billy Joel and many more.
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world today, 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 “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size in the world from Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena is also a seven-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) and G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
