As one of the great entertainment capitals of the world, there is no denying that Las Vegas is home to some amazing concert venues that are used for hosting world-class acts. Well, Sin City just got one more incredible venue. The Sphere at the Venetian Resort opened in September 2023 and is helping to raise the bar for concert venues, even by Las Vegas standards. Since most people haven’t been able to visit it just yet, let’s take a closer look at The Sphere and what it offers both performers and concertgoers.
The Sphere at the Venetian Resort is nothing short of impressive in terms of its physical appearance. It was built by Madison Square Garden Entertainment and designed to be a unique venue that’s also the largest spherical structure in the world. The Sphere is 875,000 square feet, going as high as 366 feet and as wide as 516 feet at its broadest point. With that much space, the Sphere could conceivably fit the entire Stature of Liberty inside of it. Most people wouldn’t realize just how big and spacious it is from looking at it, although the Sphere has the appearance of a large IMAX theater or even a planetarium.
With its massive size and unique shape, the Sphere is essentially a giant bowl on the inside that’s been turned into a concert venue. The stage is at the bottom of the theater and is surrounded by a massive LED screen, which has 268 million video mixes with 16K resolution. Also, the screen measures 160,000 square feet, which makes it the largest high-resolution screen the world has ever known. The screen is so big that it wraps around large sections of the audience, meaning some audience members always have the screen within their field of vision.
The official capacity at the Sphere is 18,600 people, although there is also a standing capacity of around 20,000 people. There are nearly two dozen suites and a VIP club on top of the normal seating. Of course, with over 18,000 seats, figuring out where to sit at the Sphere can be a challenge and a matter of preference.
For the most part, the best seats at the Sphere are right in the middle, meaning the 200 and 300 levels. Most seats in the 400 level are also good because of the shape of the venue, as well as the massive LED screen. The 100 level should be populated by visitors who care about being as close to the stage as possible. The caveat is that some of the seats in the back of the 100 level have an obstructed view. People in the lower level may also find themselves looking up more than they would like.
Meanwhile, the 200 and 300-level seats are ideal. They offer a natural view of the stage with excellent sightlines while also being at eye level with the giant LED screen. Therefore, audience members in these sections will always have the option of either looking at the stage or looking at the screen. In some locations, they will be able to look at both simultaneously, giving them the best of both worlds.
In addition to its unique architecture and design, the sound system at the Sphere also contributes to making it a one-of-a-kind concert venue. Behind the LED panels, there are 1,600 X1 speakers that provide amazing acoustics for the audience. Sound can also be delivered through the venue’s floorboards and 300 mobile modules, providing sound from multiple sources to enhance the experience for visitors.
Somehow, the experience at the Sphere goes beyond just sight and sound. The venue has 4D features that can make wind and scent part of the experience. It’s also possible to incorporate flashing lights, seat haptics, movement sensations, and even fog into the performance. Obviously, these can be altered depending on the performer, allowing for a customizable immersive experience that most concert venues can only dream of providing for audiences.
While it was designed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for concertgoers, the outside of the Sphere has special features as well. There is a 580,000-square-foot LED display space that can be changed based on the occasion. For instance, it can be made to look like a holiday-themed snow globe or even a Halloween-themed jack-o’lantern. Merely walking up to the Sphere from the Plaza Entry or the pedestrian bridge that’s connected to the Venetian Resort can be a stimulating experience, even before stepping inside the venue.
The Sphere certainly got off to the right start by hosting a series of U2 concerts, making the rock legends the venue’s opening act. Even fans who have seen U2 perform multiple times admitted that their performance at the Sphere was nothing like they had ever witnessed before. In the future, the Sphere will continue to host concerts from major artists. However, it was also built with award shows in mind. Boxing and MMA fights are also in the plans for the Sphere, as are esports tournaments. Finally, while it may not be the most obvious sports venue, it’s possible that a basketball court or hockey rink can fit inside the confines of the Sphere, leaving the door open for some truly unique sporting events in the future.
This content was originally published here.