James Dolan’s MSG Sphere had NASA test Vegas concert venue tech
Las Vegas is set to welcome a groundbreaking new venue later this year with the opening of MSG Sphere, a first-of-its-kind concert and event space that promises to redefine entertainment experiences. Not only is it the world’s largest spherical structure, but it also boasts cutting-edge technology, with NASA even getting involved in a collaboration that will provide breathtaking images of the solar system for an immersive exhibit. The Sphere will have 170,000 “ultra-direction” speakers in order to ensure high-quality sound regardless of where in the 20,000-seat venue concertgoers are seated. Meanwhile, it also has 580,000 square feet of LED panels, making it easy to change visuals for different events and exhibitions.
FAQs
What is MSG Sphere?
MSG Sphere is a new spherical concert and events venue set to open in Las Vegas. The innovative space promises to redefine entertainment experiences with high-tech features and top-quality sound.
What is the capacity of MSG Sphere?
MSG Sphere will have a seating capacity of 20,000.
What is special about MSG Sphere?
MSG Sphere’s technology sets it apart from other venues, featuring 170,000 “ultra-direction” speakers and 580,000 square feet of LED panels. The space is also set to host an immersive exhibit with breathtaking images of the solar system captured by NASA.
How much did MSG Sphere cost to build?
The construction costs for MSG Sphere were originally budgeted at $1.2 billion but have risen to $2.2 billion.
What other projects are planned involving MSG Sphere?
An even larger version of the Sphere is being planned for London, but delays have been experienced following resistance from residents.
NASA Tested Technology for Vegas Concert Venue at James Dolan’s MSG Sphere
The MSG Sphere, a groundbreaking concert and event venue set to open in Las Vegas later this year, is leveraging some of the most sophisticated and advanced technology in the world. It is an undertaking so exceptional that NASA has become involved, using ultra-high resolution cameras on the International Space Station to capture images of the solar system that will be part of an immersive exhibit at the venue this autumn. The ISS astronaut was tasked with capturing footage using Sphere cameras, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA was happy to oblige. This is just one innovative feature of Sphere, which is going to be the world’s largest spherical structure at 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide. It’s also set to be the first and only of its kind on the planet, ambitiously establishing a new medium for entertainment. The project, which is set to open on the Vegas strip on September 29, was originally budgeted at $1.2 billion but now has a whopping cost estimate of $2.2 billion. Sphere boasts 170,000 “ultra-direction” speakers which will provide high-end sound to concert-goers, no matter where they are seated. Given the vastness of the venue, it would have been easy for it to have sub-optimal spots for sound, but the creative team behind the project claims that with “every seat in the house being the best house for your audio experience”, they have achieved perfection. The structure will also feature 580,000 square feet of LED panels, which provides ample opportunities for creativity, allowing visuals to be easily changed and adapted to different performers. Its production studio in Burbank, California, covers 68,000-square-feet and has been equipped with a 28,000-square-foot, 100-foot-high dome which can project stunning footage on the rounded walls of the Vegas venue. Creating footage for such a huge canvas demands top-notch cameras, which called for the development of the camera system called “Big Sky.” It uses the largest single sensor in commercial use and incorporates 10 separate patents, allowing the capture of cinematic content at a level of detail never before possible. Additionally, Big Sky will eventually travel to the ISS to capture footage. The Sphere’s success has led to plans for another venue of similar specifications called MSG Sphere in London, but it has suffered delays, partly due to opposition from the locals. Despite the challenges, the Vegas venue’s premiere is coming soon, with tickets selling for both U2’s residency and “Postcards.” “This is the world’s most sophisticated entertainment venue,” says David Dibble, CEO of MSG Ventures. “We didn’t know if it was possible from an engineering and architecture standpoint, and we didn’t have anybody to help us. Aside from that, it was a piece of cake.”