Innovative and Immersive Event Venue Sphere Debuts in Las Vegas
November 27, 2023
Las Vegas welcomed a groundbreaking addition to its bustling entertainment landscape with the official opening of the Sphere on Sept. 29, kicking off with a performance by the iconic band U2. Sphere is a next-generation, immersive state-of-the-art entertainment medium and venue, as well as the world’s largest spherical structure, according to officials from live media and entertainment company Sphere Entertainment.
Sitting 336 feet tall and 516 feet wide, the eye-catching orb features a wraparound exterior spanning 580,000 square feet that can be programmed to create dynamic and massive LED displays. Inside, Sphere features a futuristic-style lobby and a cavernous, bowl-shaped theater with a stage at the bottom level, flanked by what Sphere Entertainment officials claim to be the world’s largest and highest-resolution LED canvas containing 268 million video pixels that wraps halfway around the 17,600-seat audience.
With a price tag of $2.3 billion, the new venue is the brainchild of James Dolan, the executive chair of Madison Square Garden (MSG) Entertainment and owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers, who partnered with David Dibble, CEO of MSG Ventures, to make the project a reality.
“We are redefining the future of entertainment through Sphere,” Dolan said in a statement. “Sphere provides a new medium for directors, artists and brands to create experiences that cannot be seen or told anywhere else.”
He added that Sphere Experiences will transport audiences to both real and imagined places, setting a new standard for multi-sensory storytelling possibilities.
Sphere will be available for corporate events and product launches, as well as for advertising, and the venue plans to be open 365 days a year and host two to three events per day.
“Our goal is to be one the busiest venues in the world,” venue executives told TSNN earlier this year.
Back story
At the core of those multi-sensory experiences is a collective toolbox of innovative technology that includes 4D scent and air systems, and the world’s largest concert-grade, beamforming audio system. This specialized sound system delivers multiple forms of content simultaneously by directing audio to specific locations at consistent volumes, enabling distinct sections of the audience to experience entirely different audio content to create a personalized and immersive auditory experience.
Sphere is available for private group experiences of up to 5,000 guests, with packages that include a dedicated event specialist and a two-hour reception in a private or semi-private space.
The venue prioritizes inclusivity by featuring sensory rooms on different levels, adaptable seating with movable armrests or no armrests and amenities such as sensory bags and Assistive Listening Devices.
Sphere connects directly to The Venetian Resort, a partner in the venture.
In September, MSG Entertainment Corp., Sphere Entertainment Co., and Oak View Group (OVG) formed and founded Crown Properties Collection (CPC) to manage marquee partnerships with sports and entertainment brands and venues worldwide, according to a press release. Jay Voelker joined OVG as president to lead CPC, whose first clients are MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment.
What’s next
U2’s Sept. 29 concert was the first of a 25-show residency titled “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere,” which runs through the end of 2023. Also showing is “Postcard From Earth,” a film by acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky that offers viewers an immersive tour of the planet. More concerts will be coming in 2024, although artists have yet to be announced.
According to recent news reports, MSG Entertainment has acquired land in London, U.K., with the intention of constructing another spherical music and entertainment venue, and more spheres are being planned in key locations worldwide.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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