Immersive experiences are increasingly popular, with IMAX Theaters and Disney animation being prime examples. The Sphere in Las Vegas looks to take this experience to a different level.
The Sphere is a truly remarkable piece of technology, standing at 366 feet (112 m) high and 516 feet (157 m) wide at its broadest point. As the largest spherical building in the world, it covers an impressive 875,000 sq ft (81,300 m2) and has seating for 18,600 people, all with high-speed internet access. The venue cost over $2 billion to build, making it the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas history.
Approximately two-thirds of the interior is covered by guest seating, with the stage occupying the remainder. The venue can hold up to 20,000 people standing and has nine levels, including a basement VIP club and 23 suites.
The interior boasts a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen, covering 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2), making it the largest and highest-resolution LED screen globally. The exterior features 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2) of LED display space, enabling the Sphere to feature holiday themes.
Additionally, the sound system is based on Holoplot’s X1 speaker module, with 1,600 X1 speakers installed behind the LED panels and 300 mobile modules, totaling 167,000 speaker drivers. The venue also incorporates 4D features like scent and wind, offering a truly immersive experience.
While the article didn’t mention attending U2’s performance at The Sphere, the author did experience an immersive showing of Darren Aronofsky’s film, “Postcards from Earth,” which opened on October 6, 2023. The enveloping story and immersive experience showcased the potential of The Sphere.
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