MSG Sphere Enters Next Phase of Construction

By Scott Roeben, on June 28 2022
2 min read 3 comments
Las Vegas Things to Do in Las Vegas

The MSG Sphere was topped off on May 24, 2022, with all the requisite hoopla.

The builders of the Sphere invited employees and members of the media to take photos of a fake final beam—decked out with the traditional topping-off Christmas tree and American flag—being hoisted into place at the top of the impressive erection.

The topping-off (or topping-out) ceremony marked the end of one phase of the construction, but there’s a lot more to do, so we stopped by the check out the progress on the MSG Sphere. Here’s how the Sphere looks right now.

MSG Globule just didn’t have the same ring to it.

Crews are busy installing an outer framework that will support a massive video display on the exterior of the Sphere.

Here’s a look at where the framework is being assembled before it’s added to the Sphere’s exterior (“exosphere”). We also got a look at a new walkway connecting the Sphere to the Venetian Expo.


 

That schlep from Venetian to the Sphere is daunting, but hey, you want dazzle, you need to slip on those schlepping shoes. The developers of the Sphere seem confident guests will make that 1,000-foot trek.

So many photos on the Internet, so few photos of the new pedestrian bridge at the intersection of Koval Lane and Sands Ave. You’re welcome.

Here’s a closer look at what’s new on the Sphere.

We would tell you how many of these grids are being installed, but that would involve “research” and no way that’s happening.

Here’s a closer look at the equipment that will hold the exterior video screen.

The exterior of the Sphere will have 600,000 square feet of programmable lighting, plenty of room to show liquor ads and our legendary appearance on “Love Connection.”

This lattice will hold the LEDs covering the outside of the Sphere.

Our friend James snagged a pic of the LED strips being organized at the site.

The MSG Sphere (anticipate a naming rights deal prior to it opening) will have video screens both inside and out.

The cost of the Sphere is expected to be $1.9 billion, and will have about 17,500 permanent seats.

The new venue should open in late 2023.

Shout-out to the construction workers currently toiling in temperatures comparable to that of the surface of the Sun.

We could not do construction as hard hats would negatively impact our hair.

It’s anticipated this phase of construction will take 10 months or so.

The Sphere will host a variety of entertainment offerings, with an emphasis on residencies and musical acts. Madison Square Gardens knows some people. The Sphere isn’t really set up for sports, thankfully, although some limited sports-based “entertainment” (like boxing) could be in the mix.

We have occasionally opined about the concern MSG (Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.) can’t possibly make back its nearly $2 billion investment in the Sphere, but there’s no denying it’s a striking structure and the finished product is going to be amazing, a must-see attraction in Las Vegas.

We did a round-up of everything you need to know about the MSG Sphere, so take a look.

We’ll keep you in the loop about all the latest progress at the Sphere on an annular basis.