Visitors exploring the east side of the Las Vegas Strip can't help but notice the massive domed structure steadily rising into the sky. It's what Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. hopes will be the talk of the city when it opens in 2023.
Delayed since its groundbreaking in 2018, the MSG Sphere at the Venetian reached a construction milestone last month when it marked the final placement of structural steel.
"MSG Sphere will change the skyline of Las Vegas forever," said Nick Tomasino, MSG Entertainment vice president of construction.
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The venue is expected to be a distinctive showcase for a wide variety of things, including concert residencies, films, corporate events, award shows, product launches, esports and sporting events such as boxing, mixed martial arts and wrestling.
With capacity to seat 17,500 (and an additional 2,500 for standing-room-only) and 23 VIP suites, MSG Sphere will boast what developers call the largest and highest resolution LED screen in the world. At 160,000 square feet, it's about as big as three football fields and more than 240 feet tall.
The venue's "beamforming" audio system directs sound to specific locations at a constant volume from point of origin to destination. It also allows two people sitting in different sections to hear completely different things.
An infrasound haptic system will use deep vibrations so that guests can "feel" the experience.
The main atrium of the structure spans four floors and features free-standing escalators and bridges offering clear views of the space below.
MSG Sphere at The Venetian will be the largest spherical structure in the world at 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide. Its 580,000-square-foot LED exterior will create a digital showcase for artists, brands and partners, developers said.