Las Vegas MSG Sphere is the largest spherical building in the world. Located in Paradise, Nevada, east of the Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas Sphere is a cutting-edge music and entertainment arena. Originally named MSG Sphere and designed by Populous, this spherical marvel was unveiled by the Madison Square Garden Company in 2018. Boasting an impressive 18,600-seat capacity, the venue is promoted for its unparalleled immersive features, such as a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen, advanced speakers utilizing beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. The exterior of the arena is adorned with an extensive 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2) of LED displays. Sphere stands tall at 366 feet (112 m) high and spans 516 feet (157 m) wide.
Commencing construction in 2019, the original plan was to open the venue in 2021. However, construction faced setbacks in 2020 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a temporary suspension. The ambitious project incurred a staggering cost of $2.3 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment venue ever built in Las Vegas.
Sphere celebrated its grand opening on September 29, 2023, with the iconic Irish rock band U2 initiating a 40-show residency named U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere. On October 6, 2023, director Darren Aronofsky’s documentary film, “Postcard from Earth,” premiered at the venue. Despite the grand opening, Sphere has been operating at a financial loss since its inception.
- Las Vegas Sphere Capacity: 18,600 Seated Inside
- Las Vegas Sphere Construction Cost: $2.3 Billion
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The MSG Sphere Project: A Billion-Dollar Evolution from Conception to Completion
Initially dubbed the MSG Sphere, the ambitious project was officially announced in February 2018. The collaborative effort involved the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) and the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Situated just off the renowned Las Vegas Strip and to the east of the Venetian resort, which was established by Las Vegas Sands in 1999. The Sphere project occupied an 18-acre (7.3 ha) site contributed by Las Vegas Sands.
In 2022, Apollo Global Management acquired the Venetian, replacing Las Vegas Sands as MSG’s partner in the Sphere project. As part of this transition, Vici Properties acquired the land beneath both the Venetian Resort and the Sphere.
The distinctive sphere-shaped design, conceived by Populous, encompasses the world’s largest LED screen within its interior. Initially estimated at $1.2 billion, the project’s cost escalated to $1.66 billion in February 2020 due to design changes focused on guest enhancements. The financial outlay continued to rise, surpassing $2 billion amid the 2021–2023 global supply chain crisis and the 2021–2022 inflation surge. Ultimately, the project reached a staggering final cost of $2.3 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment venue in the history of Las Vegas, outpacing the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas MSG Sphere Construction: World’s Largest Spherical Building
A. MSG Sphere Inception and Excavation (2018-2019)
On September 27, 2018, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of a groundbreaking project. About 300 attendees, including Sheldon Adelson and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, witnessed the event. Plans in November 2018 hinted at new features like bars, private suites, a museum, and retail spaces for the MSG Sphere. AECOM, experienced in stadium projects like the T-Mobile Arena, began site work in February 2019. Excavation, removing 110,000 cubic yards of dirt and caliche, started in March 2019 to prepare the construction site. By June 2019, AECOM assumed the role of the general contractor.
With 400 construction workers initially on the project, expectations foresaw a peak workforce of 1,500. Construction of the basement commenced in July 2019, reaching completion in October 2019 alongside the first ground level. This expansive basement space was designated for public events, reflecting the project’s multifunctional design. Notably, the excavation reached a depth of 21 feet (6.4 m) to facilitate basement construction. In December 2019, the spherical structure attained a height of 65 feet (20 m) with the fourth level completed, marking progress towards the eventual eight above-ground floors.
B. Milestones and Challenges in MSG Sphere Construction (2020-2023)
In February 2020, a significant milestone was achieved with the installation of the world’s fourth-largest crane, a Demag CC-8800 crawler crane, standing at an impressive height of 580 feet (180 m). Transported across the Atlantic from Zeebrugge, Belgium, the crane’s assembly required 120 tractor-trailers over 18 days on-site. By March 2020, construction reached a pivotal point, marking the widest diameter of the spherical structure at 516 feet (157 m) on the sixth level, situated 108 feet (33 m) above ground.
Initially scheduled for a 2021 opening, the project faced an unforeseen hurdle when MSG announced on March 31, 2020, that construction would be temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption in the supply chain necessitated a two-week halt in all construction activities. However, in August 2020, MSG Entertainment declared the resumption of construction, with the new opening date set for 2023. Over the subsequent 15 months, the focus shifted to concrete and steel erection, culminating in the installation of the complex 13,000-ton steel-domed roof.
In October 2020, crews achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the heaviest lift at that point, involving the installation of two 240-ton steel girders. In December 2020, MSG took over as the general contractor, with ongoing support from AECOM. Notably, February 2021 witnessed the addition of a 170-ton steel compression ring, constituting the heaviest lift throughout the project. The assembly of this ring on-site, involving three weeks of welding and bolting prefabricated steel pieces, culminated in the crane lifting it into place.
C. Milestones in MSG Sphere’s Architectural Ascension 2021-2023
The construction of the dome’s roof demanded a substantial 3,000 tons of steel and in March 2021. The roof took form as crews initiated the installation of 32 trusses, each weighing an impressive 100 tons. By May 2021, the truss installation had reached the midway point, prompting the relocation of the crane to the southern side of the property to complete the installation. This relocation, owing to the crane’s substantial size, required two days.
A significant milestone occurred on June 18, 2021, when the dome was successfully topped off. Simultaneously, work commenced on the external exosphere, encasing the dome, constructed with LED light panels visible from several miles away. The exosphere, towering 30 percent higher than the dome, began to take shape. The interior of Sphere saw the commencement of construction in August 2021.
Following the completion of the steel frame for the roof, a staggering 6,000 cubic yards (4,600 m3) of concrete were pumped onto the roof, forming a 10-inch (250 mm) thick layer weighing around 10,000 tons. This intricate process concluded in October 2021. Subsequently, the focus shifted to the 730-ton steel interior frame, crucial for supporting the LED screens and audio system. Work on the interior frame extended into the year 2022.
A second topping-out ceremony, this time for the exosphere, occurred on May 24, 2022. Subsequent activities included the installation of both interior and exterior LED screens, with the external screens illuminated for the first time on July 4, 2023, during Independence Day celebrations. This captivating display propelled Sphere into the spotlight, quickly gaining viral attention for its striking images.
Las Vegas Sphere Opening
In April 2023, Madison Square Garden Entertainment underwent a corporate split, resulting in the establishment of two separate entities. Sphere Entertainment Company emerged as the new owner of the venue, which underwent a name change to simply “Sphere.” The grand opening took place on September 29, 2023, with the legendary U2 headlining the inaugural residency titled U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere. This performance marked U2’s return to live shows since 2019.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment has ambitious plans for Sphere, aiming to host four to six residencies annually. In addition to live performances, the venue showcased its versatility by premiering its first feature film, “Postcard from Earth” directed by Darren Aronofsky, on October 6, 2023.
With aspirations to become a significant employer, Sphere is expected to provide jobs for up to 3,000 individuals. However, the venue faced financial challenges, reporting a substantial $98.4 million loss by the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2023. This financial setback led to the resignation of MSG’s Chief Financial Officer. Despite the initial financial hurdles, Sphere remains a beacon of entertainment and innovation in the industry. It’s contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Paradise, Nevada.
Features
A. Sphere: A Monumental Marvel of Architectural Ingenuity
Sphere stands as a monumental structure, reaching 366 feet (112 m) in height and stretching 516 feet (157 m) wide at its broadest point. As the world’s largest spherical building, it encompasses an impressive 875,000 sq ft (81,300 m2). With a seating capacity of 18,600 people, every seat is equipped with high-speed internet access. And 10,000 seats incorporate haptic technology for an enhanced sensory experience. The venue can additionally accommodate 20,000 individuals in standing capacity.
Comprising nine levels, including the basement housing a VIP club, Sphere incorporates 23 suites distributed across the third and fifth floors. The interior boasts a groundbreaking 16K resolution wraparound LED screen covering 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2). The largest and highest-resolution LED screen globally. SACO Technologies, a Canadian company specializing in LED displays and lighting, manufactured both the interior and exterior screens. The exterior, spanning 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2), serves as a dynamic canvas for holiday themes and advertising.
B. Sensory Symphony and Multifaceted Entertainment at Sphere
Sphere’s advanced spatial audio system, powered by Holoplot’s X1 speaker module, utilizes beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies with 96 drivers each. The system includes 1,600 X1 speakers installed behind the LED panels, along with 300 mobile modules, totaling 167,000 speaker drivers. This cutting-edge sound system can even deliver audio through the floorboards, enhancing the immersive experience. The venue features 4D capabilities, incorporating elements such as scent and wind.
Designed primarily for award shows and concerts. Sphere’s versatile space can also host ring sports like boxing and mixed martial arts, along with esports tournaments. Despite not conforming to a traditional arena layout for sports like basketball or ice hockey, its adaptability makes it a multifaceted entertainment hub.
Facilities include 304 parking spaces on-site, with additional parking available at nearby Venetian, Palazzo, and Venetian Expo parking garages. A 1,000-foot (300 m) pedestrian bridge links the Sphere to the expo. Initially, plans for a new Las Vegas Monorail station were on the table. But in April 2020, they were put on hold due to the financial impact of the pandemic.
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