6 cool things I discovered about the Las Vegas Sphere

The future of entertainment lies in the heart of Vegas.

An emoji lights up the Las Vegas skyline.

Las Vegas is a city known for its larger-than-life attractions, but it’s the Sphere, which opened less than a year ago, that stands out as a beacon of the future of entertainment. The giant orb redefining Sin City’s skyline is just a block away from the glitter strip.

On a recent trip I ventured inside for the ‘Sphere Experience’ to tour the Atrium and engage with the world’s most advanced humanoids before the seat-shaking screening of Postcard from Earth directed by Darren Aronofsky. 

Here are the six coolest things I discovered visiting the Sphere.

1. Architectural brilliance

From all angles, whether driving past in an Uber or peering down from above, the state-of-the-art venue is a technological and architectural wonder. The imposing orb stands at a staggering 112 metres tall and 157 metres wide making it the largest spherical structure in the world. Designed to host concerts, performances, and immersive experiences, it boasts a seating capacity of 17,600 with an additional standing room for 20,000 people. 

The giant orb is redefining Sin City’s skyline.

2. The exterior is a show in itself 

All day and night, Sphere, which is covered with an LED display that spans 54,000 square metres, is a colossal canvas for stunning visuals visible from kilometres away. From smiley emojis to octopus tentacles to a moonscape to broadcasting fireworks on July 4. Every time it came into view I couldn’t help but stop and snap a selfie. 

Aura is the pinnacle of robotic mechanics and artificial intelligence.

3. Aura, the AI ‘spokesbot’ 

Inside the Atrium, which is alight with holographic art installations, there are five humanoid robots named Aura that represent fundamental aspects of human ability: connection, creativity, innovation, longevity, and productivity. Aura is the pinnacle of robotic mechanics and artificial intelligence, and interacting with her is a fascinating glimpse into the future. Their sophisticated programming allows Aura to engage in conversations and answer questions asked by guests such as how to split a frog’s hair - yes, someone asked that and she answered. Aura is equipped with advanced facial and voice recognition technology, enabling her to personalise interactions and responses. 

Travel the world from inside the Sphere.

4. Innovative entertainment

U2 famously held a residency here and ongoingly there are regular live music events. During the day there are several times to see The Sphere Experience that includes the film Postcard from Earth by renowned filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. The must-see 50-minute spectacle is shown on a 16K LED wraparound curved screen the size of several football fields. The movie transports viewers from the birth of civilisation through to incredible footage of desert landscapes, ocean depths, rainforests, waterfalls and bustling cities before culminating in confronting images of the damage humans are doing to the environment. During the film the breathtaking visuals are matched with surround sound from 164,000 speakers. Wind whistles through the cinema, chairs shake and walls thunder. It’s like Imax on steroids. The immersive experience ends with humanity rocketing from a barren Earth to settle elsewhere in the universe, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of our planet.

The Sphere by night.

5. You can see yourself in the Metaverse

Ever wondered what your avatar might look like? There’s a machine at Sphere for that. Guests can line up to have their body scanned and then propelled into virtual reality. This was a popular activity so I missed out, but those that did receive a video of their 3D avatar in the Metaverse by email. It’s a unique snapshot of an exhilarating and unforgettable visit. 

An emoji lights up the Las Vegas skyline.

6. The meaning of life

Aura’s answer to this question from another visitor was eerily articulate. “I know that from all I have observed when examining existence, is that existence is meant to simply be that. Existing. Life is meant to be an experience, so make it a good one.” I’m happy to take that advice from the world’s most lifelike robot! 

For showtimes and ticketing visit thesphere.com

The writer was a guest of Sphere Entertainment.

Originally published as 6 cool things I discovered about the Las Vegas Sphere