The Venetian Resort begins trials of its colossal LED video sphere

MSG Entertainment has commenced extensive testing of the Sphere, an impressive structure set to grace the Las Vegas skyline. Located near The Venetian Resort, this colossal venue boasts a gigantic animated dome measuring 516ft in width and 366ft in height, accompanied by a 16K LED screen encircling its interior. While its exterior is undeniably attention-grabbing, the true allure lies within the immersive live entertainment experience offered by the internal display. The Sphere aims to revolutionize concerts and cinematic experiences, promising a complete reimagining of these forms of entertainment.

As MSG’s James Dolan and David Dribble explain to Rolling Stone , the goal is to effectively create a VR experience without “goggles from hell.” The creators use a special camera to produce footage that surrounds the audience. There’s also a unique 164,000-speaker sound system that can isolate certain sounds or even limit them to certain sections of the audience. One part could hear, for example, only the Spanish dialogue.

Like “4D” movie theaters, MSG Sphere also offers a sensory experience for some guests. About 10,000 seats have haptics, cold, hot wind and scents. If you’re on a virtual trip to the Arctic, you might feel a chill as you watch.

The venue will play its first show on September 29, when U2 begin a 25-show custom run. The shows are practically sold out, so you’ll have to rely on the inevitable flood of social media videos to see what the Sphere looks like during its opening run. Partial screen testing was done this spring.

It is not clear whether that is a wise investment or not. Construction began in 2019, but the pandemic and technological complexity have pushed the expected cost to $2.3 billion. That makes it the most expensive venue in Las Vegas so far (even the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium costs “only” $1.9 billion), and there’s no guarantee that MSG will recoup its investment in time. It’s also not clear what will happen after U2’s concerts, although it is possible to host eSports tournaments and mixed battles.

However, the draw is clear. Large-scale concerts are typically held in stadiums, where the sound, visuals and seating are designed around sports, not music. Even traditional concert halls have not changed much over the decades. In theory, you’re making a pilgrimage to the Sphere for an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.