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Technology meets theater at the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas

Tall, bright, and unapologetically surreal, the Las Vegas Sphere is a 516-foot-wide, 366-foot-tall orb of possibility on the edge of the Strip. Since it opened in September 2023, the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas has become the go-to site for anyone craving more than just a show.

Inside, the Sphere is built for awe. With a 160,000-sq-ft 16K wraparound LED screen, and over 167,000 speakers using beamforming and wave-field synthesis, sound pours in, visuals wrap around, and seats rumble with nearly 10,000 immersive (haptic-enabled) spots. Add 4D effects like wind, scent, temperature, and you get a live event that’s not just to be seen, but deeply felt.

Quick facts about the Sphere in Las Vegas

Height: 366 ft
Width: 516 ft
Opening date: September 29, 2023
Seating capacity: 17,600 seats; up to 20,000 standing
Cost: US$2.3 billion
Architect: Populous
Exterior LED display area (“exosphere”): 580,000 square feet of LED panels

World records broken by the Las Vegas MSG Sphere

World’s Largest Spherical Structure
Sphere is recognized as the world’s largest freestanding spherical building, standing 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide.
Largest Programmable LED Exterior (Exosphere)
Its exterior shell (“Exosphere”) has about 580,000 sq ft of programmable LED panels—one of the largest LED “skins” of any building.
Highest-Resolution Wraparound Internal Display
The internal LED screen measures 160,000 sq ft and offers 16K resolution, making it one of the highest-resolution large-format indoor video displays.
Record-breaking Concert Venue Revenue
In 2024, Sphere grossed US$420.5 million in concert ticket revenue, making it the first venue in Billboard’s history to gross over $300 million in a single year.
Highest Gate for UFC Event
During UFC 306, held at the Sphere, the venue earned US$22 million in ticket sales (“gate”), setting a record for both the venue and UFC events.
Fastest Grossing Residency in Las Vegas
U2’s UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency broke Las Vegas box office records for how quickly ticket sales reached high revenue for a residency.

Making of the Las Vegas MSG Sphere: Key Milestones

It started with a vision: to build a venue that blurs the line between stage and story. MSG (Madison Square Garden) and Las Vegas Sands announced Sphere in early 2018. They wanted sound you could feel, visuals that envelop, and a spectacle that would shift what people expect from live entertainment.

Construction timeline:

February 2018: MSG and Las Vegas Sands officially announce the Sphere project. The goal: build a new kind of entertainment venue by The Venetian. Everyone’s eyes go wide.
February 2019: AECOM takes over as general contractor. Excavation begins—110,000+ cubic yards of earth moved to start laying the base.
June 2021: The dome’s steel frame “tops out” as the last of the 32 roof trusses are installed. That moment makes the structure feel real.
May 24, 2022: Second “topping-out” for the exosphere. LED skin begins wrapping the sphere. Exterior lighting work ramps up.
July 4, 2023: First full exterior lighting event. The LED shell (the exosphere) lights up the Las Vegas skyline for the first time with fireworks, animations, color.
September 29, 2023: Official opening. U2 kicks off the residency UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere. After years of build and planning, the first shows begin.
October 6, 2023: Postcard from Earth, a film from Darren Aronofsky, debuts. Sphere shows it’s not just concerts, it is immersive cinema and storytelling too.

Who built the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas?

Designed by Populous, with interiors by ICRAVE, the Sphere was born of a partnership between MSG Entertainment and what was then Las Vegas Sands. Structural engineers Severud Associates and Walter P. Moore handled the load-bearing work, and AECOM served as general contractor. MSG’s James Dolan sketched the seed concept that became the vision, and today Sphere’s ownership rests with Sphere Entertainment Co., with Vici Properties owning the land beneath.

About the Las Vegas Sphere Architecture

From the moment you approach the Sphere, its design pulls you in. Sculpted curves, glowing portals, and a massive exosphere LED shell together set the mood.

The exosphere

A freestanding steel lattice shell cloaked in ~580,000 sq ft of programmable LED panels crafted by SACO Technologies. It transforms the Sphere’s facade into a canvas for art, imagery, and storytelling that’s visible from miles away.

Atrium

An eight-story vaulted volume with sweeping balconies, intersecting curved bridges, and arched doorways shaped as circles or ovals. Huge uninterrupted columns and continuous black terrazzo flooring contribute to an otherworldly welcome.

Seating bowl & interior screen

Wrapped around by a 16K resolution LED screen 160,000 sq ft in size, visuals extend across walls and ceilings. Thousands of seats offer immersive effects including vibration, scent, wind, complemented by surround-sound and beamforming tech.

Materials & finishes

Reflective black terrazzo flooring, matte black accents, fluted panels, and both absorptive and reflective surfaces in VIP and suite areas. These choices play with light and shadow to enhance depth and emphasize the Sphere’s futuristic aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions about Sphere architecture

Are Sphere shows family-friendly or suitable for kids?

Yes, shows are generally recommended for ages 6 and up. Please keep in mind that some of the sensory effects can feel a bit intense for younger kids. All guests will still need their own valid ticket to attend.

How long is a typical event or show?

Most Sphere Experience shows last around 50 minutes. Concerts, residencies, or special events run longer depending on the artist or program.

When should I arrive for my event?

You should arrive about 45-60 minutes before the showtime to account for ticket scanning, security checks, and exploring the atrium without rushing. (Doors often open 45 minutes ahead.)

What is the bag and re-entry policy?

Only small bags (about 6″ × 6″ × 2″), clutches, purses, and medically necessary bags are allowed; large bags and backpacks are prohibited. Re-entry into the venue bowl is generally not permitted.

Can I take photos or video during the event?

Photography and video are usually allowed in the atrium and public areas, but are prohibited during immersive shows and films.

What is the refund or cancellation policy?

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless the event is cancelled or postponed by the organizer. In such cases, refunds are issued for cancelled events.

Is the venue accessible for guests with disabilities?

Absolutely! The venue is built with wheelchair-accessible seating, elevators, and assistive listening devices. To secure specific accessible seats, book early or contact customer service.

How many people does Sphere hold?

Sphere seats around 17,600 people, with a maximum capacity (including standing/floor areas) of about 20,000 for larger events.