Get ready for the world’s most cutting-edge, technologically advanced entertainment venue when the Sphere at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., opens this September. This next-generation venue is expected to revolutionize live entertainment in the future. From unique, multi-sensory shows from Hollywood’s leading creators to concerts by world-renowned musical acts, the Sphere is changing the world as we know it. Read on for more details regarding Las Vegas’ newest attraction.
What is the Las Vegas Sphere?
Formerly known as the MSG Sphere, the Sphere at the Venetian Resort or the Las Vegas Sphere is the world’s largest spherical building, surpassing the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The project was first announced in 2018 by the Madison Square Garden Company as a collaboration with the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The idea was to create one of the world’s most unique entertainment venues, a venture that would take nearly five years.
Construction of the Sphere
Construction for the Vegas Sphere began in February 2019. The project was originally given a budget of $1.2 billion, but due to factors like inflation and supply chain issues, the final cost of the structure has risen to around $2.3 billion. The entire structure stands 366 ft., tall with a width of 516 ft., and the roof, made of 3,000 tons of steel, was completed in June 2021.
The exosphere, or exterior of the building, is composed of 580,000 sq. ft. of programmable LED screens, which can be viewed from several miles away. The 16K x 16K high-resolution LED screens are the largest and best in the world, allowing for surreal imagery of anything that you can imagine.
The Immersive Experience
One of the biggest allures of this venue is the technology used to create it like the LED displays that make up the exosphere. Among other images, the Sphere has appeared as the Earth, the moon, a basketball to welcome the 2024 NBA Summer League and even a gigantic human eye, complete with precise details of lashes, blinking, pupils and all. The exosphere’s breathtaking displays also made quite the bang on July 4, with a colorful fireworks show viewed by everyone visiting Sin City.
Another special feature that guests attending events at the Sphere can enjoy is the haptic seating, with 10,000 seats outfitted with state-of-the-art technology designed to stimulate the senses. People will be able to literally feel different effects in the environment from the vibrations of a motorcycle or rumbling thunder. This sensory experience is also completed with scent and temperature control to create effects like blustering wind and rain, taking immersion to an entirely new level.
Where Is the Sphere in Las Vegas?
The Sphere at the Venetian Resort is located at 255 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169. As this venue has not opened up to the public, the area is still under construction, but it sits off of the Las Vegas Strip.
Seating at the Sphere
The Sphere at the Venetian Resort contains seating that wraps around two-thirds of the interior, with the remaining space dedicated to the stage. The building can seat up to 17,500 people and with standing room has a capacity of 20,000. The building contains nine floors, including a VIP club on the basement level. Stretching across the third and fifth floors will be 23 premier suites.
Entertainment at the Sphere
If you’re not interested in checking out a concert or show at the amphitheater, there are still plenty of local Vegas attractions to enjoy. However, everyone should take the opportunity to score a seat at a show in the world’s largest spherical entertainment venue. Read on for more information on entertainment coming to the Sphere starting this fall.
U2 Residency
Don’t miss out on this rock group’s first live performance in nearly four years with U2 tickets. The U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency kicked off on Sept. 29., and was set to run for 25 dates until mid-December. Due to high demand, the group announced in October that their Vegas residency would extend to February 2024 with 11 new dates. The Irish rock band’s show will be centered on music from their 1991 album, Achtung Baby. Audience members can expect to rock out to hits like “Mysterious Ways,” “One” and “The Fly,” during this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.
Only second to The Joshua Tree (1987) in terms of sales, Achtung Baby has sold more than 18 million records. It debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 Top Albums chart and won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Similar to the 1992 Zoo TV promotional tour, U2’s residency is expected to take advantage of the state-of-the-art technology at the Sphere and put on a show that will stimulate all of your senses.
Phish Residency
It was announced in late November that Phish would be the next band to hold a residency at the Sphere, following U2’s UV Achtung Baby Live experience. The iconic jam band’s four-day residency will kick off on April 18, 2024, and will feature a unique setlist and stunning visuals for each performance. Get your Phish tickets today and be ready to hear a variety of hits like “You Enjoy Myself,” “Sample in a Jar,” “Down With Disease” and more live.
Postcard From Earth
Following U2’s residency comes a 4D experience that the world has never seen before. From the mind of Darren Aronofsky, director of the Academy Award-winning film, The Whale, comes the Postcard From Earth experience. Opening in October, this 60-minute Sphere Experience will use the building’s technology in its entirety to create a multi-sensory tour of our planet.
With the world’s highest-resolution LED screens blanketing the interior, the line between reality and imagination will dissolve, leaving audiences in awe of the grandeur of this sci-fi experience. On the Sphere’s Postcard From Earth page, Aronofsky expressed his desire to give guests an escape from the typical glitz, glamor and overall rush of Vegas life and immerse them in “the wonder, awe, and beauty of the natural world.”
Postcard From Earth will run several times each day, all year long. The show is recommended for guests of all ages, however, those with sensory sensitivities should be aware that the show will contain intense noise and visuals that could be overwhelming.
Accessibility Accommodations
The Sphere at the Venetian Resort is an ADA-accessible building with seating and additional accommodations for those who require them. These include wheelchair escorts for guests with mobility limitations along with suites with access for wheelchairs or electric scooters. For individuals who may not fit within a standard seat, seats with moveable armrests and larger chairs without armrests are available.
Additionally, guests who are deaf or require hearing assistance can request sign language interpreters and Assistive Listening Devices (ALD). Depending on the event, closed captioning is available. Submit any requests at least two weeks before the event.
The Las Vegas Sphere allows certified service animals in the building. Contact the Accessibility Services Department if you or a group member plans to bring one. Call at least 48 hours ahead of your event if you need any accommodations so that they can be prepared accordingly.
Rules at the Sphere
- Respect others around you
- Avoid blocking the view of other visitors
- Do not interfere with the athletes, events or performers in ANY way
- No throwing of items
- Refrain from the usage of foul/offensive behavior, language, and obscene gestures
- Do not stand on seats or any building structures
- Do not block the aisles
- Do not occupy the space or seat for which you don’t have a valid ticket
- No smoking (including e-cigs, vapes, etc.)
- Consume alcoholic beverages responsibly
- Report inappropriate or offensive behavior to an usher or security officer
- Please comply with Sphere staff regarding the arena’s operation and emergency procedures
Prohibited Items
- Air horns and other noisemakers
- Alcohol, outside food and beverages
- Aluminum bottles or cans
- Banners and signs
- Flags
- Hoverboards and skateboards
- Laser pens
- Pepper spray/mace
- Selfie sticks
- Weapons, including firearms and knives
- Video cameras and recording devices
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Las Vegas Sphere open?
- September 29, 2023
What is the seating capacity of the Sphere?
- Seated: 17,500
- Standing: 20,000
What’s the re-entry policy?
- Re-entry is not allowed. Once you exit, you will not be permitted back inside the venue.
Do kids need a ticket?
- Yes. All guests are required to have a ticket to enter the venue. Please check the Sphere website for any age restrictions your event may have.
What items are prohibited in the Sphere?
- The Prohibited Items list above has a general overview of what you can or cannot bring into the Sphere. Please note that specific events may have different rules set in place, so check the event page ahead of time for more details.
Can I bring a camera?
- No, cameras and other recording devices are prohibited.
Does the Sphere at the Venetian Resort have ADA accommodations?
- Yes, it does! Please refer to the Accessible Accommodations section above for more details.
Get Tickets to the Las Vegas Sphere
With Vegas Sphere tickets, you can catch U2 live or attend another concert or sporting event. No matter what you choose, TicketSmarter has you covered with tickets to more than 125,000 entertaining events. From musicals to concerts to circus shows and more, there is always something new to experience. If you’re planning to travel to Sin City, discover exclusive Las Vegas travel deals with HotelPlanner.
