Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@TansuYegen
Topics: US News, Technology
Emma Rosemurgey
The jaw-dropping new MSG Sphere Arena has officially been unveiled in Las Vegas and it cost a whopping $2.3 million to make
The ginormous venue, which boasts 20,000 seats, is entirely covered by LED screens which light up the Vegas strip in a way never seen before.
Seriously, it's hard to believe this is real.
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Not only is the venue the largest spherical structure in the world, it has also broken the record for the largest sphere on the planet.
And given how much it cost to make, why not break a few world records while you are at?
Last week, during Fourth of July celebrations, Sphere Entertainment Co. unveiled the magical capabilities of the globe-like screens with a patriotic Independence Day display, which quickly turned to quirky visuals of an eyeball and other futuristic animations.
Guy Barnett, Sphere's SVP of brand strategy and creative development, said: "The Exosphere is more than a screen or a billboard - it is living architecture, and unlike anything that exists anywhere in the world.
"The possibilities for artists, partners, and brands to create compelling and impactful stories to connect with audiences in new ways."
Rich Claffey, Sphere's chief operations officer, also added: "It’s absolutely stunning to look up and see what’s in front of you. I’ve been in the entertainment business for almost 40 years.
"I’ve never seen anything like this, and I’m not exaggerating. It is off the charts."
Unsurprisingly, such a magnificent piece of infrastructure didn't expect to come cheap and was initially budgeted for around $1.2 billion when construction began in 2018.
But in the end, it wound up costing a staggering $2.3 billion - but you can imagine it won't take long to earn that back from advertising revenue.
On 29 September, the Sphere will open its doors to concert goers for its first gig as U2 are booked to perform.
It's also believed that the venue will also be used to host sports matches and events, such as UFC matches.
Inside, performers have the use of 16K LED TVs wrapping around the dome, while the audience sit on seats that are able to vibrate and match whatever is being shown to them - such as an Earthquake.
Meanwhile, in the UK, there are plans to try and replicate the Vegas Sphere in London, at a location between Stratford station and the London 2012 Olympic Park, which has proposed by the Madison Square Garden Company, who created the Vegas Sphere.
However, according to NME, concerns have been raised by locals and the MP that it could cause light and noise pollution in the area.
In response, MSG said they would create blackout blinds for homes with 150 metres and create a complaint telephone line.