You’ve likely seen the newest addition to the Vegas skyline; the Sphere. Upon it’s initial debut, it took over social feeds with videos of the curious emoji watching the street life in Vegas unfold. Or perhaps you’ve seen the hypnotic animations covering the massive exterior display.

You might see it from the plane as you approach the city, and you’ll see glimpses of it as you wander Las Vegas. It’s also become a mouthpiece of the current and the latest in Las Vegas, celebrating Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix winners as well as the Super Bowl.

That’s a lot of numbers and they give you a sense of the scale of this monumental undertaking, but what does the Sphere experience feel like? It’s like nothing else. Consider a screen that envelops you in 270 degrees of visuals while filling your ears with immersive sound, the quality of which resets your baseline for what a show should sound like. Imagine you feel the wind off a mountain top or the vibration of the earth as an enormous elephant walks by. Think virtual reality without the headset. You’ve got to see it – experience it – for yourself.

Live Music Residencies at Sphere

Sphere opened with an extended residency by legendary rock band U2 in September 2023. The ever-evolving rockstars jumped at the opportunity to be the first to test drive its unique performance environment. The Edge, U2’s iconic guitarist, shares the following regarding the invitation to cut the ribbon for live concerts:

“… the possibilities around immersive experiences in real and imaginary landscapes. In short, it’s a canvas of unparalleled scale and image resolution and a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We all thought about it and decided we’d be mad not to accept the invitation.”

The band went on to perform a series of sold-out shows with astounding visuals and unleashed a tidal wave of FOMO over social from everyone who missed out.

With a star-studded lineup of residency acts, including U2, Phish, and Dead & Company, no two shows are the same. Upcoming residencies you don’t want to miss:  

• Eagles and Backstreet Boys performing now through February  

• Zac Brown Band starting in December through January  

• ILLENIUM has a residency for nine shows in March and early April 

• No Doubt Live has a limited 12-show run in May 

• Kenny Chesney returns in June  

• Carín León offers select shows in September  

No matter who’s on stage, each show is always a custom coproduction with the artists. Prepare for a performance full of surprises, every single time. 

Beyond Live Music: Other Ways to Experience Sphere

Tickets for concerts and events are in high demand at Sphere. Step inside and experience it for yourself, with Sphere’s latest offering, The Wizard of Oz Experience. Before the show, wander through the mesmerizing atrium, where you can interact with AI robots and create your own digital avatar. Then, get ready to journey over the rainbow in a breathtaking, immersive showing of the beloved classic. 

This one-of-a-kind production was created exclusively for Sphere, blending cutting-edge visuals, surround sound and multisensory effects that make you feel like you’ve been transported straight into Oz. Follow Dorothy’s yellow brick road across dazzling landscapes, encounter iconic characters in stunning new ways, and experience this timeless story like never before. 

For the ultimate viewing experience, aim for seats in the “Director’s Zone,” section 306 (seats 6-16), which are said to offer the best focal point of the screen.  

Just want to get a look at Sphere from the outside? You can drive past it, sure, but head to the Harrah's Las Vegas parking garage. Simply follow the signs to the designated Sphere viewing area.

Tips for a Better Experience

If you’re visiting this one-of-a-kind venue, you want to make the most of your time. Here are some tips to make your unforgettable experience easier and seamless.

• Shows sell out fast. Hop on those tickets as soon as you can.

• Double-check your seat choices before you buy your tickets to make sure you have a view you'll love.

• Parking is limited. Take rideshare or public transit. If you drive, park at the nearby Wynn Las Vegas or The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where there’s a handy walkway to Sphere. Allow for a 15- to 20-minute walk.

• Go early for dinner and drinks and check out the on-site exhibits; you can avoid longer lines by doing this.

• Check the bag rules, as there are size restrictions. Your phone is fine, but don’t bring a camera or other pro gear. Best plan? If it doesn’t fit in your pockets, leave it behind.

• There are concession stands throughout the atrium, where you’ll find specialty cocktails, wine and beer, and a selection of stadium-style bites – think pizza, burgers and dogs, candy.  Don’t want to wait in line? There are some grab-and-go options with self-checkout stations.

Check this Sphere FAQ for more details on how to have the best possible experience when you visit.

You’ve got your Sphere plan made, how about the rest of your trip? Make time to experience the latest in top-notch Las Vegas dining, from casual food-court bites to dress-to-impress date-night events. To round out the rest of your adventure, here’s a planning guide to help you create the perfect Las Vegas vacation.