Brock Radke (Las Vegas Sun)
Las Vegas comedy clubs were among the first entertainment venues to reopen after the forced shutdowns of spring 2020, partially because stand-up shows require less production and people to get onstage. Although they endured smaller-than-usual audiences for months, these intimate clubs were instrumental in bringing live entertainment back to the Strip and the city at large.
But one of the newest comedy spots remained closed throughout 2020 and 2021, and it’s finally opening its doors and turning on its lights again this week—Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at the Linq Promenade.
“Las Vegas is my hometown and live entertainment was hit harder here than anyplace. It’s time to stop inhaling and get back to laughing,” Kimmel said in a statement. “We have a great lineup of comedians who are more than ready to get back to doing what they love in the city we love.”
Kimmel, the host of ABC’s late-night talk show who grew up in Las Vegas and opened the club in the summer of 2019 in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, has now joined forces with Pompey Entertainment to operate the venue. The two-story, 8,000-square-foot club located near Brooklyn Bowl returns to action on November 3 with “America’s Got Talent” alum Gina Brillon in the headlining spot; stage veteran Luenell takes over on November 6. Tickets are available at kimmelscomedyclub.com.
Pompey owners Damian Costa and Nick Cordaro also operate the new showroom The Duomo at the Rio and produce several other Strip shows. At Kimmel’s club, the new company plans to continue the course it originally set and add even more performances. The show schedule is set for Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays at 8 and 10 p.m.; and additional midnight shows on Saturdays.
“What we do want to do is give comics the opportunity to have full, complete sets. That’s one of the things we’re focusing on with those weekend headline spots,” says Costa, pointing out that the traditional comedy club blueprint involves four or five performers doing shorter sets most nights. “We want to make sure our comics are treated right, that the room always has to be funny, and it’s this environment that’s welcoming and treats the customer right. It’s not about being different, it’s about being great.”
The location of Kimmel’s is different from most casino comedy venues because it’s not in a casino, but along the outdoor pedestrian walk between the Linq and Flamingo resorts. Its design is also distinct, still intimate like a club but with a unique studio feel. It’s perfect for connections with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, including possible segments on the late-night show filmed at the Vegas club.
Costa says he’s also planning to bring new Strip headliner Dillon Farrell, a comic magician currently performing at the Magic Attic at Bally’s, over to Kimmel’s to take over the 4:30 p.m. slot.
“I think that’s something we are most proud of, the frequency of shows that we’re looking to do quickly,” Costa says.
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