The ultra-modern MSG Sphere arena has now been officially unveiled in Las Vegas, and there are plans to replicate it in London.
Sin City’s brand new $2.3billion venue was lit up for the first time this week to celebrate the Fourth of July in the USA, and utilised its enormous exterior screen to produce jaw-dropping visual displays.
Standing at 366ft tall and 516ft wide, the astonishing structure is a remarkable new addition to Vegas’ famous skyline.
The Sphere has a capacity of 18,600 and can be used for a variety of different purposes.
It boasts the world’s largest LED screen on its exterior, which has already produced a series of stunning displays.
While initially budgeted at $1.2billion, construction costs were inflated by the pandemic and ultimately rose to $2.3billion.
The Sphere is scheduled to officially open on September 29 with a U2 concert.
Music acts are expected to be the main use of the venue, though it will also hold unique film screenings with immersive experiences.
Acts on the main stage will be surrounded by the towering interior LED screen, which wraps around most of the audience too.
It can be used to bring a performance to life with various animations, while the seats will also vibrate, with the audience surrounded by machines that create additional effects such as wind and scents as part of the ‘4D’ experience.
From a sporting perspective, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix’s street circuit will pass through the Sphere property in November.
In time, the arena also hopes to host and MMA – likely UFC fights.
Guy Barnett, Sphere’s SVP of brand strategy and creative development, said: “The Exosphere is more than a screen or a billboard – it is living architecture, and unlike anything that exists anywhere in the world.
“The possibilities for artists, partners, and brands to create compelling and impactful stories to connect with audiences in new ways.”
Rich Claffey, Sphere’s chief operations officer, added: “It’s absolutely stunning to look up and see what’s in front of you.
“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.”
There is a plan ongoing to try and replicate the Las Vegas Sphere in London – on an empty piece of land between Stratford station and the London 2012 Olympic park.
Local residents, councils and rival entertainment group AEG (who own the O2 Arena) oppose the project.
As things stand, the planning application is temporarily on hold.
Time will tell if it comes to fruition.
This content was originally published here.