Las Vegas, known for its glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking entertainment venues, has added another jewel to its crown: The Sphere. Located just east of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the Sphere is not just another entertainment arena; it's a marvel of modern architecture and technology.
Best Places to View the Sphere from Outside
The Sphere's exterior is a remarkable sight, featuring a whopping 580,000 sq ft of LED lights that light up at night with mesmerizing displays.
This means you're in for a visual treat no matter where you stand. However, for the best-unobstructed views, consider standing a distance away, perhaps from one of the nearby hotels or elevated walkways.
Interesting Fact: The interiors of the Sphere feature a 270-degree screen roughly the size of four football fields, covering most of the walls and ceiling.
I could see the Sphere from several streets and resorts during my visit. Still, the best views are at Manhattan Street, the top of Hughes Parkway Parking Garage, the Seventh Floor at Encore Self-Park, and the pedestrian bridge between Wynn and Venetian.
The LED displays can feature various themes, turning the Sphere into a giant Halloween jack-o'-lantern or a Christmas snow globe, making it a dynamic part of the city's skyline.
Getting to the Sphere
The Sphere is conveniently located at 255 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada. For those relying on public transit, there are plans to build a new Las Vegas Monorail station to serve the Sphere and the Venetian.
A 1,000-foot pedestrian bridge also connects the Sphere to the Venetian Expo, making it easily accessible for those attending events or shows at either venue.
We had some time to kill, so we walked from the LINQ to Krueger Dr, Koval Ln, to Sands Ave. That was the long way to go, but as we walked on Krueger Dr, we had a great view of the Sphere.
Shows and Performances
The Sphere made a grand opening on September 29, 2023, with the legendary Irish rock band U2 kicking off a 36-show residency titled "U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere."
Additionally, the venue showcased "Postcard from Earth," a docu-film directed by the acclaimed Darren Aronofsky, which debuted on October 6, 2023.
We missed the U2 show but had a great time with "Postcard from Earth". Read the review below.
Inside the Venue: An Immersive Experience
Walking into the Sphere is like stepping into the future. Before taking our seats, we were greeted with holographic displays and AI-powered Robots.
The wraparound LED screen boasts a 16K resolution surrounding the audience, offering an unparalleled visual experience.
The sound system, comprising 1,600 X1 speakers, uses advanced beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, ensuring crystal-clear audio from every corner. Additionally, 4D features like seat movement, scent, and wind effects enhance the immersive experience.
Postcard from Earth
Suppose you have been to Disney's California Adventure and Soared over California (the ride). In that case, you have an inkling about this dreamy and immersive experience. But instead of the 5-minute ride at Disney's Park, prepare to be wowed for 50 minutes.
The story is about the evolution of life on Earth, from its aquatic beginnings to the rise of human civilizations.
Interesting Fact: To create films for the Sphere's massive screen, a specially fabricated camera prototype named "Big Sky" was developed, capable of capturing images in 18K resolution.
It also delves into a future where humanity leaves a tarnished Earth to inhabit other worlds while reminiscing about our planet's lost splendor.
The Sphere's curving screens make this narrative deeply immersive, allowing viewers to feel as if they are part of the scenes, whether it's swimming with jellyfish or marveling at architectural wonders.
My impression as I watched the story unfold was of being on a vast spaceship floating above the landscape while observing the world evolve.
Seating and Ticket Prices
The Sphere can seat 18,600 people, with all seats equipped with high-speed internet access. For an enhanced experience, 10,000 of these seats incorporate haptic technology.
While the ticket prices can vary based on the event and seating choice, it's advisable to check the official Sphere website here, or Ticketmaster for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Our "Postcard from Earth" ticket was $59, but prices vary based on date and time.