Caesars Entertainment executive dreamed of joining Killers for 'years' | Kats | Entertainment

Sean McBurney always makes it a point to emphasize the entertainment aspect at Caesars Entertainment. The company's regional president oversees eight resorts on the Strip as well as the Caesars Forum Convention Center and the Linq Promenade.

This has been a particularly fruitful summer for the Las Vegas-based resort company. In addition to a strong slate of theatrical headliners, the company's flagship Caesars Palace is hosting The Killers, the first performance by a Las Vegas rock band. On the other side of the Strip, Las Vegas-based production company Spiegelworld has developed the comedy/interactive dance production “DiscoShow” at the Linq Hotel.

It's a good time to talk to McBurney, who joined the company 18 years ago as a casino marketing manager. Highlights from our recent Q&A session:

Johnny Kats: You moved here when The Killers were just taking off. What does it mean to you to have them playing here?

Sean McBurney: We couldn't be more excited. It's their hometown band playing at the most legendary theater in Las Vegas. It's interesting when you consider when they started: 2003, when the Colosseum opened. Now, 20 years later, here they are, playing at the Colosseum.

Cats: Apparently, those responsible have a particular interest in engaging The Killers on a long-term basis.

McBurney: We're excited to have them here, no question. Personally, I'm a huge fan, so I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm especially excited to see them play at Caesars Palace.

Cats: When you were first introduced to “The Killers at the Colosseum” as a viable possibility?

McBurney: Most of these residencies happen like that, you have a relationship with management and you talk about it for a very long time. This is something we've always wanted, at the Colosseum, we've dreamed about it for years. It's literally been on my radar for many years.

Cats: What role do The Killers play in the overall strategy for booking the Colosseum?

McBurney: Our criteria for the Colosseum is that it's where the legends play. And the legends can be as young as The Killers or people who have been around for decades like Elton John and Rod Stewart. There's no doubt that we're a little agnostic about the genre of music. It just has to be legends and the greatest in entertainment. When we opened, we had Celine, Elton and Jerry Seinfeld in a traditional theater.

Cats: And the modernization of the cinema about five years ago was supposed to provide more variety, wasn't it?

McBurney: Yes, we have invested significantly in the space so there is a lot of flexibility. When it opened, the entire venue was just seating. Now we have the flexibility of having a GA and booths so we can accommodate artists who want a different setup. We are very flexible now.

Cats: Elton John said during his last show at Allegiant Stadium that he has played more times in Las Vegas than any other city in his career. Of course, the vast majority of those were at the Colosseum.

McBurney: Elton has played about 450 shows, Celine has played more than 1,100 shows, Rod is about to do his 200th show when he comes back (next March). Jerry will do his 100th show on September 6th. Adele will be 100. When you think about the careers of these artists, they will have played this venue more times than anywhere else. It's really special, no question about it.

Cats: Let's take a look at Spiegelworld and its creator Ross Mollison. You had an absolute hit with “Absinthe” at Caesars. Now you have an adventurous project with “DiscoShow” at the Linq. What is the biggest challenge with “DiscoShow”, Diner Ross and everything Ross has planned?

McBurney: That's a good question, and I don't know if there's a clear answer. Ross, as you know, is perhaps the most creative person on the planet. He goes where people don't even think there is a way.

Cats: In fact, ticketed spectators dance in the middle of the production, which is a new development.

McBurney: The great thing about this show – and this is sometimes overused – is that it's an immersive experience. You're with the talent, they're right there with you, inches away. I think part of the challenge is making sure people understand what the show is about.

Cats: Spiegelworld has become so diverse, F&B is a big part of their offering, isn't it? Diner Ross is a destination in itself.

McBurney: What Ross has done so well is to combine the food and drink experience with the entertainment experience. That's something completely new.

Cats: And I also think the message is crucial, especially since the show is still in previews.

McBurney: “I think like any show, it's so important to get the message out there and make sure people understand it. You know, when you say The Killers or Adele or Garth Brooks, people know immediately what that is. But when you hear 'DiscoShow' and Diner Ross, we have to educate people so they know what that experience is. But I don't think it's that much different than when 'Absinthe' started. It was lightning in a bottle, but it took people a minute to get it.

Cool Hang Alarm

Stay in the Caesars family with the Saxman Duo at Harrah's Piano Bar Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3pm to 6pm. Soothing sounds. No admission charge.

John Katsilometes' column appears daily in the A section. His podcast, “PodKats!”, can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.