AEG considering arena investment

Entertainment powerhouse AEG, owners of the Los Angeles Kings and managers of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, is interested in getting involved in the proposed Las Vegas downtown arena.

Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, did not specify the extent of AEG's investment. He said it was unlikely Las Vegas taxpayers would approve funding for the arena, so "it would have to be privatized." The Los Angeles-based worldwide entertainment conglomeration is a partner in a number of arenas around the country.

The NBA has emphasized that a new arena would be a key step before Las Vegas would be seriously considered for a franchise.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has claimed to have five groups interested in investing in an arena.

AEG, which manages the Colosseum for Caesars Palace, owns the Los Angeles Kings NHL team and owns or controls such Los Angeles-area facilities as Staples Center, The Forum and Anaheim Arena, among others.

HASSELHOFF RELAPSE

David Hasselhoff issued a statement Thursday saying he is a recovering alcoholic after his daughter was heard on a disturbing video begging an intoxicated Hasselhoff to stop drinking.

The daughter, identified by "Entertainment Tonight" as 16-year-old Taylor, pleads with Hasselhoff, saying he will be fired from "The Producers" (Paris Las Vegas) if alcohol is found in his system.

The video was "maliciously" released to the media, Hasselhoff said. It shows a slurring Hasselhoff with his shirt off and clumsily attempting to eat a hamburger.

The former star of "Baywatch" is scheduled to end his three-month run with "The Producers" at Paris Las Vegas on Sunday.

"Dad, look what this is doing to you," a young woman said on the video. "You have to stop drinking alcohol. Promise me you won't drink anymore."

She added, "The doctor's coming over early. ... If you have any alcohol in your system, you're gonna be fired from the show."

Hasselhoff, through his attorneys, said in a statement, "I am a recovering alcoholic. Despite that I have been going through a painful divorce and I have recently been separated from my children due to my work, I have been successfully dealing with my issue. Unfortunately, one evening I did have a brief relapse, but part of recovery is relapse.

"Because of my honest and positive relationship with my daughters who were concerned for my well-being there was a tape made that night to show me what I was like. I have seen the tape. I have learned from it and I am back on my game. I thank God for the love and concern from my daughters. The tape was never meant to become public, but got into the hands of individuals who are not worthy of mentioning, who maliciously released the tape for their own self purpose. I hope that someone else will learn from the tape, as I have."

BETTE-ING THE HOUSE

Bette Midler said she scouted the cavernous Colosseum, taking in numerous shows, before deciding to sign a deal with Caesars Palace.

She had some concerns about the "vastness of the stage," she said Thursday at a news conference.

One of the changes to the stage will be a return to the flat floor, after it was sloped for Celine Dion's "A New Day."

She will open Feb. 20.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Rapper 50 Cent will lead Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his entourage into the MGM Grand Garden arena on Saturday night. He'll perform his new song, "Straight to the Bank," as he walks to the ring, his debut of the track in front of an audience.

MAY I RECOMMEND

With a big-fight crowd in town, the party scene heats up this weekend. Jessica Simpson is hosting the Pussycat Dolls show tonight at Pure (Caesars Palace). Tao Beach, the latest topless pool area, is holding its grand opening Saturday in The Venetian's pool venue. Jay-Z hosts Tao Beach's after-fight party Saturday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"It's great to be in San Francisco. San Francisco has several nicknames: the Golden Gate City, the City by the Bay, or my favorite, L.A. with Books." -- Conan O'Brien

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.