The Jackpot

After months of anticipation, the Horseshoe Casino is finally naming names.

The A-list entertainment headliners set to play the gaming property's new 2,500-seat, state-of-the-art arena theater include Bette Midler, Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Idol, Stone Temple Pilots and Kenny Rogers, among others, according to Horseshoe Casino publicist Lauren Boukas.

They also finally have unveiled the name of the space.

"We're excited to announce the opening of The Venue at Horseshoe Casino," Boukas said Tuesday.

Equipped with what Boukas describes as "high-comfort telescopic seating," the 90,000-square-foot facility can undergo a complete transformation in less than two hours to accommodate anything from intimate performances to large-scale entertainment productions.

The Venue's general admission floor can fit up to 2,400 people, for a total room capacity of more than 3,300. She said The Venue also can welcome up to 150 tables and 1,500 seats, all easily storable in-house.

She said the property, after 17 months and $500 million, is still set to open in August.

The legendary Midler will open the facility with a special grand-opening gala performance Aug. 8, coming to Hammond direct from her Las Vegas extravaganza, "The Showgirl Must Go On," at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets for her Horseshoe show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

On Aug. 9, The Venue hosts the region's first local appearance in eight years by hometown heroes The Smashing Pumpkins with lead singer Billy Corgan. This performance at The Venue marks The Smashing Pumpkins' first show in Chicago since its last reunion tour in 2006.

Next up, it's Grammy- and three-time Tony Award-winning artist Liza Minnelli on Aug. 30; cultural icon and rocker Idol is on Aug. 16 and then the recently reunited Stone Temple Pilots on Aug. 14.

"We are thrilled to offer The Venue to Chicagoland as a place to enjoy headline entertainment in an intimate space," said Rick Mazer, regional president and general manager of Horseshoe Casino.

"Plus, our diverse talent lineup will offer something for everyone."

Other scheduled shows announced so far at The Venue, all on sale Friday, unless otherwise noted, include:

* Aug. 10 - comedienne Mo'Nique

* Aug. 11 - James Blunt

* Aug. 15 - Lynyrd Skynyrd

* Aug. 20 - Michael Bolton (on sale July 25)

* Aug. 21- Kem (on sale July 18)

* Aug. 28 - Chris Botti (on sale July 25)

* Oct. 4 - Kenny Rogers (on sale July 18)

Tickets for concerts, produced by Horseshoe, Harrah's Entertainment and in conjunction with AEG Live, are available via Ticketmaster and at www.thevenue-chicago.com.

Ticket prices vary for each concert, with all tickets priced under $100.

Among the show listed so far so go on sale this Friday, tickets for Midler are $48 to $98, tickets for Smashing Pumpkins are $83, tickets for Mo'Nique are $38 to $58, Lynyrd Skynyrd seats are $48 to $78 and Idol's concert is $45 to $58.

Designed by renowned Montreal-based Scéno Plus, according to publicist Boukas, "The Venue features fully flexible configurations with technologically superior in-house production systems designed exclusively with cutting-edge equipment. Audio-visual equipment includes three giant HD screens that combine lighting with multilayered video projections to create a wide range of interactive special effects. To ensure the highest quality in sound, acoustics are supported by a highly efficient and versatile audio system able to substitute or complete the most demanding touring technical requirements."

A three-level lobby, featuring walls composed of LED pixels and immersive lighting, has been designed to greet guests with what Boukas describes as "a warm and welcoming atmosphere." Additionally, a 3,500-square-foot area hosts six VIP suites, with three rows of seats and a full-service salon featuring couches and plasma televisions offering guests an intimate and comfortable entertainment experience.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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