The long-awaited, and very expensive, MSG Sphere debuted in Las Vegas with a “dazzling display” for Independence Day.
Will those living near it ever get a good night’s sleep again?
The Sphere stands 366 feet tall, 516 feet across, and its Exosphere (the name for its exterior display) features 580,000 square feet of fully-programmable LED lights. MSG Entertainment said it’s the largest LED screen on earth, and the Sphere itself, according to them, is the largest spherical structure on the planet.
Tony Caporale told News 3, he lives in the Elysian at Hughes Center Apartments. He said, “I guess I’ll put some good curtains up. We have blinds, but you’re gonna need some curtains with the Sphere.” He said he specifically moved into the apartments so he can face the Strip and Sphere.
He has a great view, and says the view it “pretty sick.” But, he said he couldn’t fathom how guests at the Encore could sleep with it. Regardless, he’s excited.
“It’s the most incredible thing ever built in the world,” said Caporale. But when asked if the price tag of over $2 billion was worth it, he didn’t care. “Who knows? That’s their problem. I’ll look at it every night.”
Another resident who just moved into the same complex said he didn’t actually look at his unit before moving in. He faces the Sphere. He had just seen a floor plan online. He says he’s an early riser, but he’s going to put blackout curtains in his bedroom. He says the bright lights might get old after a while. “but hey, one year lease isn’t too bad.”
Tick Segerblom is the Clark County Commissioner for District E, where the Sphere is being built. He said he hasn’t received any specific complaints about the site as of yet, but wouldn’t be surprised if he did. “This is Las Vegas,” said Segerblom. “You want to live in the most exciting place in the world, you have to expect a little bit of excitement.”
There is talk that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may use the Sphere as a navigation beacon for pilots because of its brightness. When reached for comment, the FAA said it does not have plans to do so, but it’s not unusual for controllers to refer to easily identifiable buildings or landmarks when issuing instructions for visual flights.
There will also be plenty of hotel guests with views overlooking the Sphere at the Venetian, Palazzo, and other resorts. Front desks, get ready for a lot of “I want a view of the Sphere” calls. And hotels, get ready to order more black out curtains. It’s going to be very bright, and very cool – for a few minutes.
Due to the high construction costs for the Sphere, expect the lights to run continuously, in order to generate millions of dollars in advertising revenue from the amazing ball.
One of the best live acts in the world, U2, will begin a ground-breaking residency in the fall. It will embrace the latest in technology and innovation that The Sphere has to offer.
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The Sphere Las Vegas
The Sphere lights up Las Vegas for its debut on the fourth of July
Greg Doherty via Getty Images
The Sphere Las Vegas
The Sphere showing off the red, white and blue!
Greg Doherty via Getty Images
The Sphere Las Vegas
I spy with my little (HUGE) eye…
Greg Doherty via Getty Images
The Sphere Las Vegas
Happy early Halloween from The Sphere!
Greg Doherty via Getty Images
The Sphere Las Vegas
A 366 foot X 516 foot snow globe
Greg Doherty via Getty Images
The Sphere Las Vegas
The whole world in Las Vegas’ hands!
Greg Doherty via Getty Images
