The Sphere AKA The Las Vegas Illuminated Gibbous Spheroid

Cost: $$ starts at $69 for “The Sphere Experience” (December 2023) to $$$$+ for headlining acts like U2

The Sphere, Las Vegas

Description: The Sphere is the most expensive entertainment venue project in Las Vegas history at $2.3 billion dollars, but this music and entertainment arena near the Las Vegas Strip is already iconic.  You can even see it from space!  It’s known as the largest spherical structure in the world, standing 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide at its widest point with an incredible 580,000 sq ft of fully programmable LED displays. OK, so it’s not really a sphere, but more of an illuminated gibbous spheroid… but doesn’t The Sphere sound catchier?

Inside our favorite spheroid is an 18,600-seat auditorium with immersive video and audio including a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen, speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. 

Deals:  The closest we’ve found is stalking the Gametime app every day looking for U2 tickets or to watch the immersive film by Darren Aronofsky titled “Postcard from Earth”.  It’s the Sphere, and as of December 2023, there are NO easy deals.  

Postcard From Earth- On the outside of The Sphere

Tips & Hacks: If you’re going to watch “Postcard from Earth”, the 50-minute immersive film, you’ll want to arrive early.  The entirety of it is called “The Sphere Experience”.  It’s billed as a two-hour event, the first hour you wander the site, interacting with robots, a holographic art display, and even a 360-degree avatar while you check out the insane interior. The second half of the “event” is the film inside the auditorium.  Keep in mind, this event is only open to those 6 and older. 

Dining:  There’s food and beverage available, but it’s a cashless venue, so make sure you bring your credit card.  Also, it’s Vegas, baby!  Have fun inside The Sphere, and then head out ANYWHERE else in town to eat.   

Don’t Miss: Listen, I know it’s silly, but when the outside of The Sphere is in its adorable yellow emoji mode, smiling at you, moving its cute little eyes around its not-really-a-sphere-shape, you WANT a selfie with it.  As my 5-year-old would say, “It wants to be our friend!” 

If you’re lucky enough to book a room at the Venetian with views of the Sphere, you’ll be able to get a great shot easily, but don’t miss out on the myriad of parking garages or even take a tour in the High Roller to get your perfect shot!