The 6 coolest things about Sphere, Las Vegas' new high-tech concert venue

Taylor RainsJan 13, 2024, 22:56 IST

These are the 6 coolest things about the Las Vegas Sphere.Taylor Rains/Insider

The mesmerizing Las Vegas Sphere just opened in September, and its drawing huge crowds.
The new entertainment venue currently hosts Irish rock band U2 and "The Sphere Experience."

The Las Vegas Sphere is Sin City's newest entertainment venue and has attracted celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and LeBron James since its September opening.

Irish rock band U2 is the colossal orb's first resident, playing 36 shows through February 2024.

When not hosting live music, the venue transforms into "The Sphere Experience," which includes a multi-sensory film and the opportunity to chat with an AI humanoid.

Eager to see inside the giant dome but lacking the budget for U2's $500+ concert tickets, I booked the experience for $49 and absolutely loved it.

Here are the 6 coolest things I found throughout the Sphere.

1. Sphere has a closet of different looks.

Sphere lights up for the first time on July 4, 2023.Greg Doherty/Getty Images

Anyone who has heard of Sphere has probably seen photos of the orb's displays lit up across its wraparound LED panels.

The Las Vegas Sphere is actually made up of a bunch of tiny lights.Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images & @CasinoCompWallet/TikTok

This includes everything from an emoji face and a pumpkin to a creepy-looking eyeball and even Earth itself.

Sphere's various displays.Anadolu Agency, Greg Doherty via Getty Images

Sphere can also take on more mystical looks with bright colors, and fun textures and patterns.

Walking up to Sphere.Taylor Rains/Insider

2. You don’t have to fork out hundreds for a concert ticket to enjoy Sphere.

Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during opening night of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

Currently going for $500 plus each, U2 tickets are outrageously expensive.

Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg of U2 perform during U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on September 30, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

Fortunately, Sphere offers its own experience, complete with AI technology and a show that bridges nature and sci-fi.

One of the movie scenes during the Sphere Experience.Taylor Rains/Insider

This means visitors won’t need to pay an arm and a leg for a concert ticket just to see inside Sphere’s inner dome.

Light artwork illuminated the wall.Taylor Rains/Insider

3. You can talk to a robot named Aura.

Aura AI humanoid at Sphere.Taylor Rains/Insider

Described as the “world’s most advanced humanoid robot," Aura is an android that uses artificial intelligence to communicate with guests.

People surrounding Aura at Sphere.Taylor Rains/Insider

I spoke with Aura during my visit, and the conversation was pretty impressive.

The longevity Aura.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to Sphere, Aura is learning more and more every day.

Aura looked right at me when I spoke to her.Taylor Rains/Insider

In fact, one was responsible for explaining how sound was controlled inside Sphere via a little mini-game.

A view of the four gold sound circles from above.Taylor Rains/Insider

4. You can enter the Metaverse.

Inside Sphere.Taylor Rains/Insider

As part of the experience, guests can step into "avatar scanners" to see themselves in the virtual world.

The avatar scanner at Sphere.Taylor Rains/Insider

I didn't try the scanners because of the long line, but I think it's an interesting concept.

I have yet to dabble in the Metaverse.gorodenkoff/Getty Images

5. The part sci-fi film, part nature documentary is absolutely mesmerizing.

I would easily recommend Sphere as an awesome and unique family-friendly activity in Las Vegas.Taylor Rains/Insider

The show, called Postcard to Earth, is shown inside an 18,000-seat theater on a colossal floor-to-ceiling screen.

The screen stretched all the way up and behind the audience.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was shocked at the clarity of the images, which took viewers to places like Africa, Antarctica, and even underwater.

Jellyfish on the giant Sphere screen.Taylor Rains/Insider

6. Postcard to Earth taps into more senses than just sight and sound.

View of Sphere's inner dome from the author's seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

During the show, the seats would rattle, air would blow, and natural smells would fill the room.

One of the snowy scenes.Taylor Rains/Insider

The movie is essentially what Disney did with its Soarin' ride in Epcot, minus the harness.

A giraffe on the screen towering over the audience.Taylor Rains/Insider

I spent a night on Oceania's new luxury ship. I thought it was boring but it's great for dipping your toes into upscale cruising.

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