It took five years, but now it’s done. In September, Madison Square Garden Company will officially open The Sphere, a massive event arena. By then it was estimated that more than 2.3 billion US dollars had flowed into the construction, for which a special heavy-duty crane had to be shipped from Belgium to the USA. Populous, an architecture firm specializing in arenas and stadiums, is responsible for the sphere.
World’s highest definition LED screen
Inside there is space for up to 18,600 people and they are overwhelmed with the latest technology: According to this, the world’s highest-resolution LED screen hangs in the “Sphere” with an area of 15,000 square meters. In addition, around 10,000 seats in the arena are equipped with haptic functions, for example to trigger vibrations, and every seat is equipped with high-speed Internet. 164,000 loudspeakers are supposed to provide the right sound – some of the sound is transmitted over the floor.
The “Sphere” is mainly intended as a venue for award ceremonies and concerts, and sporting events such as MMA fights are also planned. A VIP club is also planned in the basement of the arena and 23 suites are available for more privacy.
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Overall, the “Sphere” is 112 meters high and 157 meters wide. The countless screens on the outer facade are already making themselves felt, which have been providing spectacular images time and again since Independence Day. On July 4th, the owners showed what the ball can do for the first time – and befitting their status began with a virtual fireworks display.
Since then, the “Sphere” has thrilled (and frightened) again and again with huge images. You can see what has been seen so far in this gallery. The “Sphere” in Las Vegas should not remain a one-off. Another ball is planned for London, and the operating company Madison Square Garden Sports is already looking for suitable locations for other arenas.