Construction of MSG Sphere, $1.8 billion in Las Vegas –

Construction of the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, a massive entertainment venue, reached a milestone on Tuesday as executives promised it would open in time for the FIA ​​Formula 1 World Championship when it arrives in Nevada in November 2023.

The $1.865 billion site will be “absolutely” ready for the event, said Nick Tomasino, director of construction at MSG Entertainment, as he walked to the construction site on Tuesday. the hollywood reporter. “The Formula 1 track surrounds the MSG field. “We are happy to be able to partner and compete with Formula 1,” said Tomazino.

The ambitious construction project began in 2019 and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023. On Tuesday, MSG marked completion of the site’s steel exosphere, with initial structural work on the project. The exosphere starts at ground level and makes its way to the oculus, which is now attached to its place, meaning the exosphere is self-contained. This compression ring supports the structure on top of the sphere and is 136 feet in diameter and weighs 121 tons.

When completed, the MSG Sphere is expected to become the world’s largest spherical structure at 336 feet high and 516 feet wide, and will be a radical new entertainment venue that can accommodate up to 20,000 standing spectators or 17,500 guests. .VIP Suites.

The Sphere is expected to feature a record 160,000 square feet of indoor LED screens, while the exterior will be covered with a record 580,000 square feet of outdoor LED screens, which are fully programmable and can accommodate up to 16K. Image resolution – 16K. With it, MSG aims to bring visitors to the location and experience displayed on the immersive screen.

In partnership with Berlin-based audio company Holoplot, Sphere will implement a custom spatial audio system using 164,000 speakers. Additional plans include wind-to-smell 4D capabilities as well as connectivity for all guests. The interior will have three layers of cooling, including one under the seat.

As for venue content, MSG has already begun to connect with Hollywood filmmakers and musicians to create individual, immersive content and experiences for the packaged LED display. Plans also include using the venue for live performances, sports, games and corporate events, as well as outdoor LED billboard advertising. Tomazino confirmed that it could also show live events on an LED screen.

“We have the ability to expand the stage with modular sections,” said Tomazino, adding that this includes the ability to extend the viewer forward, as well as controls for width and height. “We have complete diversity.” There is also a place downstairs for artists and after parties.

Formula 1 plans told by MSG Entertainment CEO and CEO Jim Dolan THRWe didn’t know five years ago that Formula 1 was coming to Las Vegas, but we are excited to partner with them. The track will run exactly around the MSG Sphere, giving us a distinct position in race broadcasts and informing us about the global F1 fan base. F1 will have grandstands for thousands of racing fans on our property, occupying an exosphere screen for racing-related content and activation.

Highlighting Ambitious Plans On May 19, MSG performed a ribbon cut for MSG Sphere Studios, an adjoining product dome and office space in Burbank, near Bob Hope Airport, to house original content and a stunning experience. (Burbank’s dome, which is nearly 100 feet tall, is a quarter-scale prototype of the Las Vegas area.)

However, the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas is the beginning of a larger intention to build spheres and large domes around the world. MSG Entertainment has already announced plans for the London site with more locations.