A new era for live music? U2 open The Sphere, Las Vegas

From Superinnovators 02/10/23. This article is in TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) format which is popular in the innovation community and provides a bullet summary of information.

The Sphere: The Sphere at the Venetian Resort, previously known as MSG Sphere, is a spherical music and entertainment arena located in Paradise, Nevada, near the Las Vegas Strip and east of the Venetian resort. It was designed by Populous and announced by the Madison Square Garden Company in 2018.

Design and features: The Sphere boasts an 18,600-seat auditorium and is renowned for its immersive video and audio capabilities. This includes a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen, advanced speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. The exterior of the Sphere is adorned with 580,000 sq ft of LED displays. The Sphere’s dimensions are impressive, standing 366 feet high and spanning 516 feet at its widest point.

Opening act: On September 29, 2023, the Sphere was inaugurated with a performance by the Irish rock band U2, marking the beginning of their 25-show residency titled “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere.”

Construction Timeline: The groundbreaking ceremony for the Sphere took place on September 27, 2018. Although initially set to open in 2021, construction faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply disruptions. The Sphere eventually opened its doors on September 29, 2023.

Historical background: The project was first announced in February 2018 as the MSG Sphere. It was a collaborative effort between the Madison Square Garden Company and Las Vegas Sands Corporation. However, following the purchase of the Venetian by Apollo Global Management in 2022, they became the new partners on the Sphere project.

Cost: The Sphere’s construction cost escalated over time, with the final price tag reaching $2.3 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas, surpassing the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium.

Additional features: The Sphere is equipped with the world’s largest and highest-resolution LED screen. It also features a state-of-the-art spatial audio system and 4D features like scent and wind effects. The venue is primarily designed to host concerts, awards shows, and other entertainment events, but can also accommodate sports events like boxing and mixed martial arts.