Sophia Loren to appear at Venetian

The sultry Italian film star is to take part in a morning "gondola christening" at the $1.5 billion Renaissance Venice-themed resort.

The 3,036-suite hotel-casino has scheduled a "soft opening" for Monday, as construction isn't expected to be completed until later this year. The resort will open with work on some retail, restaurant and entertainment facilities still in process.

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