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Sphere is an incredible addition to the Las Vegas skyline.
ADOBE STOCK
Sphere of Influence
Discover the ultimate fusion of entertainment and innovation in Las Vegas, as Sphere brings a new level of immersive live performances and stunning visuals to the iconic city.
By Kyle Marra
For roughly a quarter of a century, Las Vegas has been a destination city for people seeking quick riches, never-ending nightlife and iconic attractions. In 2023, Sin City added something new to the mix that doubles as a concert and event venue as well as pulls the eye to the skyline: Sphere. Standing 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, this glowing entertainment beacon debuted with a massive fireworks and American flag-inspired display on July 4, 2023. Since then, it has showcased its versatility with a rotating array of visuals, including a baseball featuring various logos, a jack-o-lantern, AI-generated imagery and even the famous yellow face emoji named Orbi—watching over the city with an ever-changing expression. However, all of that is what’s on the outside, or the Exosphere. What is really going on inside? What can you expect when you step inside the ball?
SPHERE LAS VEGAS VIDEO
Musicians in Residence
The creators of Sphere set out to redefine the concert experience in terms of visuals and sound. Visuals on the 270-degree LED screen are uniquely designed to reflect the creative wishes of the artists in residence, and they are accompanied by pristine sound from 167,000 amplified speakers.
When Sphere opened, the band U2 jumped at the opportunity to be the first artist in residency there. The Edge, U2’s lead guitarist explained what he liked about the venue, “… the possibilities around immersive experiences in real and imaginary landscapes. In short, it’s a canvas of unparalleled scale and image resolution and a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We all thought about it and decided we’d be mad not to accept the invitation.” Fans flocked to see the Irish band’s residency, resulting in 40 sold-out performances in a venue with a seating capacity of 18,600 people.
Backstreet Boys Sphere video
After U2’s run of shows, Dead & Company took up residency and has been followed by The Eagles (through November 2025), Backstreet Boys (through August 2025) and Kenny Chesney (May 22 through June 21). If a resident artist is not someone you are interested in, no need to worry. Sphere also hosts limited engagements for a variety of touring artists. No matter which artist is performing, guests can expect impressive, immersive visuals and their fair share of surprises unique to the production of the respective artist.
Buy Tickets to Sphere Concerts and Experiences at AAA.com/Tickets.
A view of the screen inside Sphere
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT
Sphere Beyond the Music
Due to high demand, concert tickets can be difficult to acquire. However, there are other ways to bask in the technological grandeur of Sphere. Consider purchasing tickets for The Sphere Experience. This two-part program includes:
Part 1: A Taste of the Future
• Holographic art installations—A 30’x50’ holographic wall display is set up in the atrium. It uses Hypervsn technology to project stunning 3D visuals in the space.
• A meet and greet with Aura and other interactive humanoid robots.
• HOLOPLOT sound demo—HOLOPLOT technology allows sound to be directed to specific areas or even individual listeners, creating a uniquely immersive effect.
“Postcard From Earth” is a multisensory fil.
Part 2: “Postcard From Earth”
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky developed a multisensory film designed to be presented on the largest high-definition screen in the world: the Sphere’s venue bowl. The film, “Postcard From Earth,” was shot in stunningly clear 18K resolution and takes full advantage of the world’s most advanced audio system. The film is not just an on-screen experience, though. Haptic seats and atmospheric simulations, like fog, wind and scents, immerse you in the sci-fi story of life on Earth, its collapse and two lone survivors who return to rebuild it.
Due to the film’s immersive effects, late entry is not permitted. Additionally, viewers are encouraged to remain in their seats for the duration of the 50-minute presentation to avoid disturbing the other guests.
If you want to upgrade from the standard seating, “director’s seats” are available at an additional cost. The viewing experience from this vantage point has been described as seeing “Postcard From Earth” from the director’s lens. Your purchases come with a VIP experience, special entry into the bowl, swag and access to the pre-show lounge for an assortment of beer, wine, soda and snacks.
Sphere at night
Important Tips for Visiting Sphere
• Get your tickets early—Shows sell out fast. If you are planning to visit, be ready to jump on tickets as soon as you have locked in your dates. Buy tickets through AAA.com/Tickets.
• Pay attention to the seat layout—With a venue like Sphere, where you choose to sit will have a direct impact on your show experience. Double-check the seating layout before you buy to set yourself up for the vantage point that meets your needs.
• Parking—Should you choose to drive to Sphere, parking is available at Wynn Las Vegas or The Venetian Resort. The walk to the venue will take around 15 to 20 minutes. Parking is limited; taking public transportation is recommended. Additional parking lots around the venue are available and spaces are usually sold in four-hour increments.
• Arrive early—To avoid long lines, arrive early. Food and drinks are available at the venue, so you can have lunch or dinner while you wait.
• Pack light—Research any potential bag restrictions and avoid bringing big cameras or other pro gear.
• Motion sickness—If motion sickness is a concern, take precautions before heading to Sphere. Some people may experience sensory overload and feel dizzy, so aisle seats are recommended for those with concerns in case an exit is necessary.
• Merchandise—It’s best to purchase Sphere souvenirs before the concert to avoid long post-show lines. A collection of Sphere products is sold at the main gift shop, plus outside merchandise stands. The outside stands typically open at noon on event days, giving you ample time to browse a wider selection. Online shopping is also available at TheSphere.com.
The Sphere’s groundbreaking achievements are still in their infancy. Given time, ingenuity and the willingness to push boundaries, there is no telling what other entertainment experiences this one-of-a-kind venue will come up with as it continues to grow. One thing is for sure, if you are seeing a show, experiencing the future or immersing yourself in “Postcard From Earth,” you are in for a real treat.
If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, visit AAA.com/Travel for hotel accommodations or explore Las Vegas vacation packages!
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