The Sphere was illuminated in Las Vegas for the first ever time on the evening of July 4, in a dazzling and animated light show that rivaled even the most spectacular Independence Day pyrotechnic display.
The Exosphere, the Sphere’s 580,000 square-foot fully programmable exterior, is the defining feature. It’s located on The Strip just behind The Venetian and transforms Las Vegas’ iconic Skyline.
The Fourth of July special show started with a dynamic image of a spinning vortex of luminescent light, from which emerged a message fitting for the Sphere’s official debut: “Hello World”. The image was then followed by a simulated firework display, swirling stars and stripes animation, as well as a series of other captivating contents, including energetic underwater scenes, vivid floral patterns, or a finely textured reproduction of the surface of the Moon.
Guy Barnett said in a statement: “The Exosphere, unlike any other structure anywhere, is a living architecture.” The Exosphere was on display last night, demonstrating its captivating power and the opportunities for artists, brands, and partners to tell compelling stories that connect with audiences.
Casino.org reports that the owners of Madison Square Garden Entertainment’s (MSG) Independence Day show was a strategically-minded move. The new music and entertainment venue, the first of its kind, is still looking for sponsors and brand partners to offset massive construction costs. These are currently estimated at $2.3 billion. It must impress top-level executives, demonstrate its technological capabilities and grab the attention of the public to achieve this.
David Hopkinson is the President and COO at MSG Sports, which oversees the global marketing and branding partnerships for Sphere Entertainment, and the MSG family companies. There’s no other way to compare the impact of displaying innovative content and brand on the largest video screen in the world. We are only limited to our imagination when it comes to creating extraordinary experiences. And we’re excited to share the Exosphere with the world.
Exosphere is made up of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks that are eight inches apart. Each puck contains 48 LED diodes and can display 256 different colors. It’s a Las Vegas landmark you cannot ignore.
The Sphere opens in September with U2’s “UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere” concert series. In October, the first immersive Sphere Experience, a movie called “Postcard from Earth”, is directed by Darren Aronofsky. This is the only program announced so far. However, the Exosphere continues to showcase creative activations that coincide with major Las Vegas events including the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The venue’s prime location along the racetrack will give it significant exposure, both in person and on television, to a worldwide audience.