The Killers to play Vegas on New Year's weekend

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The band known for hits including "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me" is returning home to Las Vegas for two shows the weekend before New Year's Eve.

Officials at The Cosmopolitan resort on the Las Vegas Strip announced Monday that The Killers will perform there Dec. 28 and 29, warming up the stage for the casino's New Year's Eve show with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

"The Killers kick off what is bound to be a spectacular New Year's Eve weekend and we are thrilled that they have chosen The Cosmopolitan as their first Las Vegas show in some time," said Lisa Marchese, the resort's chief marketing officer.

Natives of Sin City, The Killers haven't played together in their hometown for more than three years, according to Cosmopolitan officials.

But they've been nodding to their Nevada roots lately. Their latest album — set for release Tuesday — is titled "Battle Born," after the words emblazoned on the state flag. Their 2006 album, "Sam's Town," is named after a Las Vegas casino.

The Cosmopolitan, which opened in December 2010 and has drawn New Year's Eve headliners including Jay-Z, Coldplay and Stevie Wonder during its short history, aims to make a splash on one of Sin City's biggest tourist weekends.

The resort is selling weekend packages that include airport transportation, a three-night stay in a Cosmopolitan suite and couples' admission to shows by both rock bands. But for visitors who don't snag Killers tickets, which start at $86 and go on sale Friday, the shows will also be broadcast on a 65-foot LED marquee outside the casino.

"It's an interesting way to include the rest of Las Vegas," Marchese told the Associated Press. "It gives them a taste of what they could expect If they were in The Cosmopolitan."