The T-Mobile Arena, debuting Wednesday with a concert by the hometown band Killers and Mr. Las Vegas Wayne Newton, has lined up a series of high-profile music and sports events on its calendar and hopes it can also be the home of a professional hockey team should the National Hockey League approve expansion. Combined, the venues represent a bid by the Strip's largest casino operator to directly compete with chief rival Caesars Entertainment Corporation and grab a larger share of the entertainment dollar. Jason Gastwirth, Caesars' senior vice president of marketing and entertainment, praised MGM's development as a gain for Las Vegas tourism. Experts say MGM's latest strategy can work thanks to the strength of Las Vegas tourism, despite the metro area being home to about 2 million people — a modest population base considering the lineup of venues and live events. Gary Bongiovanni with the concert industry tracking firm Pollstar said MGM has positioned the T-Mobile Arena to be a must-stop for touring artists who are both attracted to newer venues and cities that can command higher ticket prices.