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The Las Vegas Sphere has redefined the city’s skyline and entertainment scene since its grand opening in 2023. This massive spherical structure, located on the Las Vegas Strip, stands as a testament to cutting-edge technology and innovative design.
The Sphere boasts the world’s largest LED screen, wrapping around its exterior and interior surfaces to create immersive visual experiences.
Inside, the Sphere features a state-of-the-art sound system and haptic seating technology, allowing visitors to feel the audio vibrations throughout their bodies. This unique combination of visual and sensory elements promises to deliver unparalleled entertainment experiences for years to come.
What is the Las Vegas Sphere?
The Las Vegas Sphere is a revolutionary entertainment venue located in Paradise, Nevada, just east of the Las Vegas Strip. This massive spherical structure stands 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, making it an imposing addition to the Las Vegas skyline.
Designed by architectural firm Populous, the Sphere boasts cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences. Its most striking feature is the enormous LED screen that wraps around the interior, offering a 16K resolution display.
The venue can accommodate up to 18,600 seated guests or 20,000 including floor space. It features advanced audio systems with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, as well as 4D physical effects to enhance performances.
Exterior LED displays covering 580,000 square feet create a dazzling visual spectacle visible from miles away. The Sphere’s construction cost $2.3 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment venue ever built in Las Vegas.
The Sphere opened its doors on September 29, 2023, with a residency by Irish rock band U2. It aims to redefine live entertainment through its unparalleled audiovisual capabilities and innovative design.
Who Owns the Sphere?
The Sphere, a revolutionary entertainment venue in Las Vegas, is owned by Sphere Entertainment Company. This ownership structure emerged in April 2023 following a corporate split of Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE).
James Dolan leads Sphere Entertainment Company, which manages the operations and events at the venue. The company dropped the “MSG” prefix, rebranding the structure as simply “Sphere.”
While Sphere Entertainment Company controls the venue itself, the land beneath it belongs to Vici Properties, a real estate investment trust. This arrangement extends to the nearby Venetian Resort as well.

Construction & Cost
The Sphere, designed by Populous, broke ground on September 27, 2018. Construction spanned from 2019 to 2023, with the venue opening on September 29, 2023. The project faced several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted construction in 2020.
Initial cost estimates of $1.2 billion rose significantly due to design enhancements, supply chain disruptions, and inflation. The final price tag reached $2.3 billion, making Sphere the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas history.
Key construction milestones included:
- Excavation of 110,000 cubic yards of dirt and caliche
- Completion of an 80,000 sq ft basement
- Installation of a massive Demag CC-8800 crawler crane
- Erection of a 170-ton steel compression ring
- Installation of 32 roof trusses, each weighing 100 tons
The dome’s roof required 3,000 tons of steel and was topped with a 10-inch thick concrete layer. An external exosphere, featuring LED panels, was built around the dome structure.
AECOM initially served as general contractor before MSG took over in December 2020. The project employed up to 1,500 construction workers at its peak.
Specifications of the Las Vegas Sphere
The Las Vegas Sphere is a remarkable feat of engineering and design. Standing 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, this colossal structure dominates the Paradise, Nevada skyline.
The Sphere boasts an impressive seating capacity of 18,600, with the ability to accommodate up to 20,000 people when including floor space. This makes it one of the largest entertainment venues in Las Vegas.
Inside, the Sphere features a stunning 16K resolution wraparound LED screen. This immersive display covers an area of 160,000 square feet, creating an unparalleled visual experience for attendees.
The venue’s audio capabilities are equally impressive. It utilizes advanced beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies to deliver precise, high-quality sound throughout the arena.
For enhanced guest experiences, the Sphere includes:
- 23 executive suites
- 4D physical effects
- An exterior LED display covering 580,000 square feet
The Sphere Experience Show
The Sphere Experience offers a captivating two-part journey at Las Vegas’ revolutionary venue. Guests begin with a 45-minute interactive segment featuring holographic art installations and cutting-edge technology.
Visitors can engage with Aura the Robotâ„¢, exploring futuristic innovations. This immersive prelude sets the stage for the main attraction.
The centerpiece is “Postcard from Earth,” a 50-minute multi-sensory film directed by Darren Aronofsky. Projected on the world’s largest high-definition screen, the movie boasts stunning 18K resolution.
Beam-forming sound technology envelops the audience, while haptic seats enhance the sensory experience. These elements combine to create a truly immersive cinematic event.
For those seeking an elevated experience, Director’s Seats provide exclusive perks. These include VIP entrance access, pre-show lounge amenities, and commemorative items.
Group ticketing options are available for larger parties, offering preferred rates and personalized service. Premium suites cater to those desiring luxury and privacy during the show.
The Sphere Experience accommodates various preferences, with non-haptic seating options available. Late seating is not permitted, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience for all attendees.
Ticket prices start at $94, making this groundbreaking entertainment accessible to a wide audience. The show promises to transport viewers into a sci-fi journey exploring humanity’s relationship with Earth.