Images of the Sphere at The Venetian Resort, formerly known as the MSG Sphere, are making waves on social media.
The massive dome, billed as the world’s largest video screen, lit up for the first time during a dazzling Fourth of July display – in addition to this technological marvel, it is also the world’s largest spherical structure.
While there are still a few months for it to officially open, here's everything you need to know about the Sphere.
Where is the Sphere?
Located in Paradise, Nevada, it is very close to the Las Vegas Strip and east of the Venetian resort. It has a pedestrian walkway that connects it to the hotel.
How big is the structure?
It stands at 115 metres tall and 157 metres wide, making it what is considered to be the world’s biggest spherical structure.
When will it open?
The Sphere will officially open on September 29, with a performance by Irish rock band U2, who will also be kicking-off their three-month U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency.
What will the Sphere be used for?
The venue is set to host live events, such as award shows or concerts, as well as films. It can potentially also host sporting events such as boxing or MMA. Starting on October 6, it will host exclusive screenings of Postcard from Earth, a film by Darren Aronofsky that takes viewers on a tour of the planet. The Sphere has a capacity of 18,600 sitting, but can accommodate 20,000 standing.
What is it inside?
The venue’s interior has a unique 16K resolution wraparound LED screen that measures 15,000 square metres, meaning those inside will enjoy a view of the screen from every angle.
“The screen goes from ground to 250 feet high [76 metres], all the way around,” Rich Claffey, Sphere’s operations officer told CNN. “It keeps you fully immersed when you’re sitting in that bowl.”
The Sphere also has 164,000 speakers spread around the bowl designed to offer those in attendance the same level of sound quality. There is also opportunities for 4D experiences with haptic seats that vibrate and machines that can create wind or temperature as well as scent effects.
Who built it?
The Sphere was designed by global architecture firm Populous, who specialise in sporting facilities, arenas and convention centres. They designed Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Emirates Stadium and Etihad Stadium in the UK.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal estimates the project to have cost $2.3 billion.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
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Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
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