An architectural marvel, a state-of-the-art venue, a majestic structure, I can go on and on with such phrases I borrowed (or outrightly stole) from architectural and interior magazines because I don’t know much about architecture. Nor do I possess the infinite vocabulary to express how beautifully enchanting this spherical structure is. But luckily for me, the photograph beneath this paragraph will give you an idea of why I am so eager to share my two cents about this magnificent edifice (I got this phrase from ChatGPT).
Table of contents
Photograph 1: Generic
With or With U2
I missed out on the best bit in my introduction. Guess who is performing in this state-of-art entertainment arena in the fall of 2023? Did you guess?
Me too.
I am sure YOU TOO, guessed accurately! (Sorry). But who isn’t excited to see one of the biggest rock acts of this century perform at one of the most anticipated entertainment venues?
I am. And you? The reader should be too!
YOU TOO? (I have a problem).
Bono’s angelic voice is set to echo via 1,57,000 ultra-directional speakers, so shivers will run through the spine of the silver state.
If you didn’t receive the invite, you could read about this entertainment arena and the playlist from U2’s catalogue for an immersive experience. (Cries in Inflation).
City of Blinding Lights
Track 1: Where Streets Have No Name
Album: Joshua Tree
On September 2019, the construction of this illustrious venue broke ground. This planned baby between Madison Square Garden (MSG) and Las Vegas Sands Corporation is set to unfurl in September 2023. Situated east of the Las Vegas Sands Venetian resort, this groundbreaking establishment encapsulates an area of 18 acres. It is set to have a capacity of 20,000 people, with 17,500 seats and 2,500 standing capacity, and 23 VIP suites that will experience the biggest LED screen in the world with a resolution higher than Snoop Dogg’s living room.
Cheeching!
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The Layout of The Landmark
TRACK 2: The Showman
Album: Songs of Experience
The Las Vegas MSG Sphere stands 360 feet tall and 516 wide, enthroning it as the largest spherical structure in our tiny world. Built with over 6 million pounds of steel, the domed roof was constructed with 32,200-foot-long trusses weighing more than 100 tons. This coliseum can withstand 42 million pounds of weight, not because its an Icelandic weightlifter, but because of the gigantic screen and the audio equipment (Sorry, I couldn’t think of an adjective for this one)
And this subtle segway brings us to the most exciting feature of this arena. THE SCREEN!
Photograph 2: An Audio/Visual Treat
Track 3: Even Better than the Real Thing
Album: Achtung Baby
The largest LED screen in the world will envelop the entire arena measuring around 160,000 sq ft., ensuring a sight to behold and hard to ignore for its audience. It is the largest screen in the world and possesses the highest resolution LED Screens (19,000 by 13,500). The screen size would ensure you can’t ignore the spectacle with your little phones.
Now, installing such a massive screen is one aspect. Establishing a sound system that complements it is another thing. And these folks have accomplished that to a T. The venue will include 157,000 ultra-directional speakers with an infrasound haptic system and ‘beamforming’ technology.
Full Disclosure: I am not fluent in how these technologies enhance sound. But ‘Beamforming’ technology does sound BIBLICAL. I’m sure you too (the last one, I promise) would second this thought.
Hi-Fives for Wi-Fi
Track 4: Vertigo
Album: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
It would’ve been embarrassing if such a majestic establishment didn’t provide the necessities that even your local coffee shop offers. This is why the arena guests can access the celestial Wi-fi services via 1,100 access points set up in the vicinity. The connectivity system provides 25 megabits of data per second. It would allow visitors to flood the internet with their live streams and social media posts to make their miserable followers even more miserable for missing out.
It’s 2023, and it would be criminal to ignore the small screen to relish the big one if you know what I mean!
View From the Road
Track 5: Beautiful Day
Album: All that you can’t Leave Behind
Aren’t looks everything? Tell that to the architects. The developers of this dome have kept the vanity of the visitors and tourists in mind and built a spherical marvel that will surely dilute your pupils. The external exposure will entail 60,000 square feet of programmable lighting supplemented by LED screens to showcase the upcoming events in the arena. This magnanimous establishment is set to ornament the Las Vegas Strip skyline. (New Postcards on the way. Greetings from Vegas, mum!)
Eavesdrop on the Events?
Track 6: New Year’s Day
Album: War
Yes. The venue boasts an unprecedented surrounding system and divine structure. But it would be pointless not to talk about the events that’ll transpire in this arena. Along with the residencies and performances of artists from around the globe, this venue might have the potential to be the Mecca for cinephiles, as the MSG Sphere is set to project content in an immersive environment to serenade the soul of its beholders. The venue would host one-off sporting events, award shows and even gaming tournaments. Essentially, from boxing gloves to joysticks, they got you covered!
Bringing in the ‘Z’ Factor
Track 7: Moment of Surrender
Album: No Line on the Horizon
The brains behind the venue are hell-bent on making this arena a Monument of Immersion. Whispers are they’re working on alternating the ‘Z’ axis of the screen to enhance the cinematic experience. In simpler words, a curved screen is set to amplify the viewers’ attention on the content significantly, making them forget their loo breaks (my condolences if you have a small bladder). If you like to indulge in the content presented passively, stick to your couch and OTT, as these guys mean business
Drafting a Dreamworld
Track 8: One
Album: Achtung Baby
However, my brain can’t help but wonder whether this establishment would create a domino effect where we see more such venues. All this sophisticated technology created by geeks crosses paths with opulent structures shaped by nerds to create an experience for us simple folks that we can’t even fathom.
But then again, dreams can turn into reality…for the chosen ones! Sorry, one last time.
FAQs
What is the Las Vegas MSG Sphere going to be?
It can be anything it wishes, my friend. Sky is the limit. But my sources tell me (Google) it’ll host performers worldwide and showcase immersive content for people who can afford it.
How much does MSG Sphere cost?
Aren’t you a shopaholic? Anyway, the construction price of the MSG Sphere was around $2.2 Billion. I hope your crypto investments work out, and they would be an impressive addition to your property portfolio. Fingers crossed.
Who designed Las Vegas MSG Sphere?
I can bet you’re an architect or a student pursuing architecture. Populous has designed this magnificent dome. Hurry! Share your CV with them.
What is the purpose of MSG Sphere Las Vegas?
We’re getting too philosophical here. What’s the purpose? I’ve been told that the entertainment arena would host musical acts, cinema, and events to enrich the lives of its visitors with euphoria, where they can catch a break from their existential dread for a few hours.
