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Destinations: The Sphere offers a new, immersive world of Las Vegas entertainment

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4 weeks ago

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Renata Parker
 |  For TALK Greenville

Powered by cutting-edge technologies, The Sphere is changing live concerts like never before. Here, you don’t just watch a show; you feel it. And the experience feels like stepping into the future. 

A New Universe of Live Entertainment  

Completed in 2023 at a cost of $2.3 billion, The Sphere is the most expensive entertainment venue ever built in Las Vegas. The dome’s 580,000-square-foot exterior is a blank canvas for creativity with 1.2 million interlocking programmable LED clusters. Inside, it’s large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty.  

Rob Cutchin, Chief Marketing Director for Greenville-based Propel HR, has visited the Sphere numerous times since it opened last year. Recently, he shared the Sphere experience with his 14-year-old son Marston and attended U2: UV Achtung Baby live.  

“I’m a big U2 fan and went to opening night at the Sphere with friends — it was incredible,” Rob says. “I had to share the experience with my son, who loves technology and film editing.” 

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The Sphere’s next-level immersive technology sets it apart from any other venue. Performances are designed to be a virtual reality-style experience, just without goggles.  

“It isn’t a basketball arena that’s been turned into a concert venue,” Rob says. “It’s a venue made for concerts, with sound for each seat and the unbelievable screen that immerses you in whatever environment the artist wants to put you in.” 

Inside, the amphitheater’s ceiling and walls are one surface — a curved, wraparound high-res LED screen spanning a record 160,000 square feet, ensuring every seat has an incredible view. The programmable screen is not just a digital backdrop for performers but an extension of the show, enveloping the audience with mind-bending visuals on an unprecedented scale.  

Futuristic Multi-Sensory Features  

Thanks to haptic technology, the 10,000 seats can allow the audience to feel as well as see and hear a performance. The world’s most advanced infrasound technology means each seat can be programmed to simulate a range of ultra-sensory effects.  

“A couple of minutes into the show, they had a really cool bit where there was code all around the walls,” says Marston. Then, the building appeared to turn into a square even though the Sphere is shaped like a dome. The seat haptics also made the experience feel real.” 

With the help of algorithms, the concert-grade audio system can deliver unique content (even in different languages) to each section of seating. Special 4D effects and atmospheric simulations, including movement, vibration, scent, wind and other sensory features, are perfectly synchronized to make the illusion even more convincing.  

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“From a technology standpoint, the Sphere is the best I’ve ever been to,” says Rob. “But I still love the sweaty old rock venues, like seeing Springsteen at the old Los Angeles Sports Arena, Kiss at Madison Square Garden, or the many bands at the long-gone Greenville Memorial Auditorium, where I saw my first concert in the 80s. 

“And it doesn’t get much better than seeing the wonder in my son’s eyes, not only at The Sphere, but also walking around Las Vegas, exploring a new city, and seeing a different side of life.” 

For tickets and more info, visit thespherevegas.com 

YOU CAN GO

The Sphere Experience: This two-part experience begins with a 45-minute self-guided tour in the Atrium area, where you can explore seven interactive exhibits, each led by one of Sphere’s human-like AI-powered robots. Exhibits cover technological innovations and special effects. Don’t miss getting a 360-body scan to generate your personal avatar. Afterward, head to the theater for “Postcard from Earth” by Academy Award-nominated director Darren Aronofsky. This first-of-its-kind immersive film takes you on a virtual exploration of planet Earth and beyond. Prepare to travel from the depths of the ocean to outer space without leaving the comfort of your seat. For tickets and more info, visit thespherevegas.com 

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