The Sphere is a monumental entertainment venue located in Las Vegas, celebrated for its innovative design and cutting-edge technology. Notably, it stands as the most expensive entertainment venue ever built in Las Vegas, with a staggering construction cost of $2.3 billion.
Construction.
Construction of The Sphere began in September 2018 and was completed in 2023. The project posed many challenges, from the immense scale of the structure to the specialized equipment and advanced techniques required for such an ambitious design.
The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to construction delays. “Building The Sphere was a monumental engineering challenge,” notes structural engineer Simon Wells. “With its unique shape and scale, the project required some of the most advanced construction methods in the world.”
Architectural and Technological Feats
The Sphere is not just an entertainment venue; it’s an engineering marvel. It holds several records, including:
- World’s Largest Spherical Structure: Standing 366 feet (111 meters) tall and spanning 516 feet (157 meters) wide, The Sphere is officially the largest spherical structure ever built.
- World’s Largest LED Screen: The exterior is covered with over 1.2 million LED lights, forming a high-resolution screen that’s visible from miles away. This feature enables dynamic visuals that can change to match event themes, creating a visually stunning experience for visitors and passersby alike.
- Largest Indoor 16K Resolution Screen: Inside, a colossal 16K resolution wraparound screen offers one of the most immersive visual experiences in existence. Audio engineer Linda Chen notes, “The Sphere’s sound and visual technologies set a new benchmark for immersive entertainment. No other venue in the world can match the intensity of its sensory impact.”
