50 Years as “The Leader in Entertainment” Since it opened 50 years ago, world-renowned Caesars Palace has been home to many legendary and iconic voices, including Wayne Newton, Liberace, Debbie Reynolds, Cher, Paul Anka, Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Marvin Hamlisch, Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Liza Minnelli, The Beach Boys, Ike & Tina Turner and Elton John – just to name a few. • Aug. 5, 1966 – At opening night of the iconic Caesars Palace, Andy Williams performed at the future home of the biggest and brightest stars on the Las Vegas Strip. • June 12 – 15, 1969 – Aretha Franklin performs at Circus Maximus, with Redd Foxx opening the show. • Feb. 12 – 25, 1970 – Before quitting stand-up comedy to devote himself to films, Woody Allen frequently performed at Caesars Palace. • April 15 – May 12, 1971 – Tom Jones recorded his live album “Tom Jones Live at Caesars Palace,” released in Nov. 1971. • Feb. 1 – 14, 1974 – Diana Ross recorded her live album, “Live At Caesars Palace,” released in May 1974. • June 6 – 19, 1974 – After four years, Frank Sinatra returned to Circus Maximus at Caesars Palace, performing with Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Pat Henry. • June 16 – 22, 1977 – Sammy Davis. Jr performed live in concert at Circus Maximus. • Dec. 27, 1979 – Jan. 2, 1980 – Ann-Margret and Roger & Roger rang in the New Year with performances at Circus Maximus. • Jan. 10, 1985 – Gladys Knight & The Pips performed at Caesars Palace. • May 23 – 28, 1986 – Patti LaBelle performed at Caesars Palace, with opening act, Arsenio Hall. • Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 1992 – Jay Leno and B.B. King perform together on stage at Circus Maximus. • Dec. 31, 1994 – Jan. 1, 1995 – Smokey Robinson rang in the New Year at Caesars Palace, with performances on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. • June 7 – 9, 1996 – Ray Charles performed with Tony D’Andrea at Circus Maximus at Caesars Palace. • June 18, 1996 – Caesars Palace opened the Magical Empire, an lavish dining and entertainment experience, which showcased magicians such as Michael Ammar and Jeff “Magnus” McBride. • Aug. 31 – Sept. 3, 2000 – Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé were the final performers in Circus Maximus, which was soon to be The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. • March 25, 2003 – Celine Dion opens her first headlining residency, “Celine Dion A New Day…” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Other headliners have included Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Jerry Seinfeld, Shania Twain, Bette Midler and Cher. .