MSG Sphere: an unprecedented landmark in Las Vegas

It is called the MSG Sphere, and it is located between The Venetian and The Palazzo, two legendary casinos in the heart of Las Vegas. We may not exaggerate if we claim that it is one of the most revolutionary constructions in the history of this city. Let's have a closer look!

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

But what is MSG Sphere? Simply put, it's the largest 'light ball' in the world and it is open to the public. More detailed, it's a hypnotic and futuristic structure reported to change the conception of leisure as we know it.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

MSG Sphere is a venue for holding events. It has an unusual design, as it is shaped like a perfect sphere. Both from the outside and from the inside, it is an experience rarely seen anywhere else.

Photo: jedirich / Twitter

This spectacular sphere is 34 meters high (121ft) and 157 meters wide (525 ft). In the image, we see MSG Sphere during its construction.

The truly striking thing is that the ball is completely covered in 16K resolution LED screens. We are talking about a total of 1.2 million LED lights that allow the exterior of the MSG Sphere to be programmed so that it displays large-scale dynamic images.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

Obviously, the idea is that the external image of the sphere displays a seasonal event, such as Halloween or the 4th of July, to give some obvious examples.

The design was carried out by Populous, one of the most important architecture firms in the world. It is also responsible for the construction of some of the most important sports stadiums in the world, such as the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

MSG Sphere will have the capacity to accommodate around 23,000 people, of which 18,000 can be seated, while the rest enjoys the event standing up. It is expected that the sphere will be ready to host the public in September.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

But how much does this majestic work cost? The Las Vegas Review-Journal estimates that it took an investment of 2.3 billion dollars.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

MSG Sphere thus ranks as the most expensive building ever built in Las Vegas, surpassing the $1.9 billion that the Raiders' Allegiant Stadium cost.

A comparison: Real Madrid, one of the richest soccer clubs in Europe, estimates that its new stadium will cost 'only' 1 billion dollars. This gives you an idea of the investment that MSG Sphere involves.

Obviously, the spherical shape of the MSG Sphere has a clear objective: to create a virtual experience for all attendees without the need to wear special glasses. David Dibble, CEO of MSG Ventures, explained it to Rolling Stone magazine.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

In addition to its spherical shape, the building has a sound system made up of 164,000 state-of-the-art speakers, capable of taking the experience of immersion to unprecedented levels.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

To top it off, David Dibble says, the sphere's haptic seats will also help make the sensory experience as real as possible.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

From the vibration of the seat to air or smoke machines, temperature increases, and the inclusion of aromas, the shows hosted in the Sphere will be an experience for all the senses.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

Boxing, Formula 1, concerts, mixed martial arts... The list of events that the MSG Sphere plans to host is almost endless. It would not be surprising if, in one way or another, all of these events will want to take place in a sphere that changes the meaning of leisure.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook

For those who want to see more from the MSG Sphere, there are plenty of photos and videos on social media. They show the building with lava, Halloween, Christmas, and sound wave effects. Definitely, the future is here.

Photo: MSG Sphere / Facebook