Challenging all predictions, the $2.3 billion sphere-shaped theater that is 35 stories tall and 516 feet wide now has Vegas abuzz. What was once considered a useless addition to the Las Vegas strip has now turned heads and won hearts, becoming the city’s prized possession.
Illuminated with captivating graphics, the Sphere—a domed-shaped theater used to host concerts, award shows, interactive experiences, cinema, and sporting events— opened September 29, 2o23, and is now the talk of the town. Fans didn’t know what to expect from the new opening, but the very first people to go into the Sphere to watch U2 were blown away by the experience.
“I’ve been to my fair share of rock shows, but I can honestly say I wasn’t fully prepared for U2 at the Las Vegas Sphere,” concert fan John King, who decided to go see U2 perform at the Sphere. King explained how he had spent a mortgage payment to see U2, but at the end of the day, it was the most amazing investment. “Seeing a show at the Sphere is like visiting the future,” he said.
What makes the Sphere so different from any other concert? Well, according to Smithsonian magazine the 18,600-square-foot auditorium is special for its giant LED screen that can broadcast anything imaginable. The inside has a 16K-resolution screen that includes surreal audio and temperature features that the audience can experience.
U2’s concert experience inspired other bands to jump in on this unique space. Next up at the Sphere will be the jam band Phish. “From the moment we first heard about Sphere and its potential, we’ve been dreaming up ways to bring our show to this breathtaking canvas,” said Phish guitarist and vocalist Trey Anastasio. “We’re thrilled to present this completely unique experience to Phish fans.” The Sphere has even helped resurrect bands, such as the Grateful Dead spin-off band Dead & Company, which performed its last concert in July 2023. That band couldn’t resist the opportunity to bring to life it’s psychedelic show in this incredible space.
Although the Sphere seems like the most spectacular addition to Vegas to date, when the announcement was first made, viewers were confused and thought the Sphere was going to be a huge bust. As mentioned on CBS News, the Sphere has got people terrified of what is to come for Las Vegas. The viewers said that the Sphere “will severely blight the area” and that it is an “offensive building.” Although some who live in Vegas think the Sphere is a nice addition to the city, some think it’s ugly and ruins the surroundings. As said by one of the residents “This is not a normal building. It’s a giant glowing orb.”
During the week of the Super Bowl, the Sphere is ran ads on its exterior graphic screen for brands such as Paramount, Nike, Adidas, Lowe’s, FedEx, and Verizon, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in income.
With so many big events in Las Vegas this past year, such as the Super Bowl, Formula One Grand Prix, and musical residencies, the Sphere is having its shining moment. It will be interesting to see the innovative ways that brands and bands use their creativity to bring their fans into another dimension.
