Investment group has casino plans

Not everyone is convinced Las Vegas is entering a decade-long deep freeze when it comes to developing new casino projects.

An investment group that includes some "very big names" has a concept planned, a theme picked and two prospective sites in mind, but few details to take public, according to a frontman.

Vegas Confidential has learned the key design element for the casino/resort would be a huge outdoor festival area, capable of accommodating 25,000-plus people.

Branden Powers, a prominent Las Vegas nightlife consultant, confirmed he has been hired by the backers.

It would be a multiphase project "like others have done" and include megaclubs and star chef-helmed restaurants, he said.

"Vegas would finally have a large outdoor venue to host major electronic music festivals, the size of which has never before been seen in Las Vegas. That's our goal," Powers said.

"That's my background, and that's why I was brought into the project," he said.

"We have a very good team and we're very confident we can get the funding," he added.

RING-ING IN NEW YEAR

Tickets go on sale at The Venetian today for comic headliner Rita Rudner's show at The Venetian, her new home after a five-year engagement at Harrah's that ended on Saturday.

Those who purchase the $99 VIP tickets and $69 premiere tickets receive a complimentary Rita Rudner ring. Plus, The Venetian has agreed to offer a $20 (plus a $2 entertainment tax) ticket for locals. They are on a first-come, first-served basis and there's a limited number. Ticket information: 414-9000.

She's also got a role in a film her husband, Martin Bergman, wrote and directed. It's titled "Thanks," and it makes its world premiere Saturday at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

SIGHTINGS

A 30-liter, 80-pound bottle of Armand de Brignac Champagne, selling for $100,000 at XS (Encore) after a grand entry at midnight. The packed house roared when UFC announcer Bruce Buffer announced that a high roller had purchased it for $100,000. Fans swarmed the bottle, one of the few of its size in the world, to snap photos. ... At the Hard Rock Hotel over New Year's weekend: Rihanna, Dennis and Kimberly Quaid (dining at Nobu and later kissing at midnight in Skybar while watching the fireworks), and Chad Kroeger, lead singer of Nickelback and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. Kroeger got on stage Saturday at Ovation showroom at Green Valley Ranch to perform The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" for a wedding couple. Former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, who was performing with Steel Panther, served as best man. ... Actress Kirsten Dunst and Food Channel star Giada de Laurentiis, lunching at Holsteins (Cosmopolitan) Saturday. Superchefs Jose Andres (in a velvet smoking jacket) and Ferran Adria of fabled El Bulli, toasting the new year while at a Cosmopolitan roulette table.

THE PUNCH LINE

"For people who want to buy a present for Hugh Hefner and his fiancée, they're registered at Bed, Bath and Ventilator." -- Rudner.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.