Rod Stewart to try out Colosseum stage

Rod Stewart will perform eight November concerts at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, in what sounds like a test run for a more permanent commitment to the Strip.

"For some years now, (venue operator) AEG Live has been wanting me to do a residency show in Vegas. I decided it was time to give it a try, but I thought 'First, let's try two weeks instead of two years though,' " Stewart said in a statement.

The shows are scheduled for Nov. 6, 7, 10, 14, 17, 18, 20 and 21. Tickets are $69-$225 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Colosseum box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

The Colosseum is in need of another anchor tenant after announcing last week that Cher would wrap a three-year run in February. Celine Dion returns next year but with a reduced annual commitment of about 70 shows.