Las Vegas is set to dazzle the world with its latest attraction, the MSG Sphere, a groundbreaking entertainment venue and the largest spherical building ever constructed whose high-definition screen was lit up for the first time in the first week of July, offering a sneak peek of the breathtaking spectacle it promises to deliver.
“The Exosphere is more than a screen or a billboard – it is living architecture, and unlike anything that exists anywhere in the world,” said Guy Barnett, SVP of Brand Strategy and Creative Development after the debut event of the MSG Sphere.
Newest attraction in Las Vegas
The latest marvel in Las Vegas standing at an awe-inspiring 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, boasts the title of the world’s largest spherical structure featuring an astonishingly massive high-definition screen that recently made its dazzling debut during the Fourth of July celebrations.
The MSG Sphere was fully illuminated, giving the world a glimpse of its potential to captivate audiences with dynamic and immersive imagery, thanks to its 1.2 million hockey puck-sized LEDs adorning the exterior – reportedly the largest display of its kind in the world.
While the grand opening of the MSG Sphere is still a few months away, anticipation is building as U2 prepares to take the stage as the first act to grace this extraordinary entertainment venue.
Nope this isn’t CGI , This las Vegas’s latest attraction “The Sphere”
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“There’s nothing like it. It’s light years ahead of everything that’s out there,” said U2’s The Edge while touring the venue in a recent Apple Music video.
Venue to host music, film and sport events
Scheduled to open on September 29 the Sphere will host a diverse range of events, including music, film screenings, and some sports.
It will kick off with an exceptional series of 25 concerts featuring U2’s iconic album “Achtung Baby,” promising a captivating experience. Ticket prices start at $140.
The venue will also showcase exclusive screenings of “Postcard From Earth,” a film by Darren Aronofsky, utilizing Sphere’s vast screen to provide an awe-inspiring planetary journey.
The main attraction will undoubtedly be the live music performances, taking full advantage of the towering 16K LED screen that envelops the audience, enhancing the show with mesmerizing animations and close-ups of artists.
Sphere’s immersive experience doesn’t end there; equipped with haptic seats and 4D machines, it promises next-level audio and sensory effects like wind, temperature, and even scents.
“Most music venues are sports venues. They’re built for sports – they’re not built for music. They’re not built for art,” said U2’s Bono in the Apple Music interview.
“This building was built for immersive experiences in cinema and performance … you can’t come here and see an ice hockey game.”
If successful, Sphere’s visionary concept could revolutionize the live-music experience, earning its place as the entertainment venue of the future.
Where is the Sphere located?
The MSG Sphere at The Venetian Resort is a spherical music and entertainment arena in Paradise, Nevada, United States, near the Las Vegas Strip and east of the Venetian resort. It is also just South of the Wynn Golf Club.
Cost and capacity
The project initiated in September 2018 with an estimated cost of approximately $1.2 billion. However, unforeseen challenges arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant inflation in labor and material expenses. As a result, MSG had to revise its cost projections multiple times, increasing from $1.2 billion in 2018 to $1.66 billion in 2020, then to $1.87 billion in 2021, and ultimately soaring to $2.3 billion in 2023. The pandemic’s impact on construction costs led to significant fluctuations, causing the project’s budget to balloon beyond initial expectations.
The ambitious project has reached its completion, and with the construction costs totaling $2.3 billion, it could prove to be an incredible value. The MSG Sphere stands unparalleled, boasting a unique and unmatched experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
This architectural marvel designed by Populous, will have a total capacity of 18,600, with 20,000 seats available for standing audiences.
Sphere Features
The new $2.3 billion sphere in Las Vegas is 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide with the following key features;
- 580,000 square foot fully-programmable LED exterior
- 18,000 seats
- 168,000 speakers
- 1.2 million LED lights
- 16K LED screen
- 250 feet high screen with 360° views all the way around
- Equipped with haptic seats and 4D machines
- 23 VIP suites
- 3,000 venue roles
- Created 3,500 construction jobs
“It’s absolutely stunning to look up and see what’s in front of you,” said Rich Claffey, Sphere’s chief operations officer. “I’ve been in the entertainment business for almost 40 years. I’ve never seen anything like this, and I’m not exaggerating. It is off the charts.”