From Floor to Dome: Mastering Your Sphere Experience

A First-Timer's Ultimate Guide to Earth’s Music Portal

The Sphere is Limitless

The Sphere is the world's largest spherical building, with a total area of 875,000 square feet. The Sphere has a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen, 4D physical effects, and atmospheric simulations with 160,000 speakers. It has 18,600 seats and the floor has a capacity of 1,400 making it a grand total of 20,000 even. The Sphere also has 4D machines that create sensations of wind, temperature changes, and scent effects.  

My Personal Experience

It took me about 4 weeks to recover from what I experienced with Anyma - I thought about the show everyday and was having withdrawals. I was haunted by it.  I frankly had post Sphere depression. I live and breathe music so I did find this to be a disturbing reaction after it persisted for over 2 weeks and then I just accepted that it was just going to continue to haunt me.

I like to say that I have an addiction now to both the World famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Sphere Las Vegas. This was storytelling at its finest. The two hour concert was divided into 4 Chapters of 30 minute sonnets. This was Anyma's "Zima Blue" moment as, indeed, my reference to the Love Death + Robots series on Netflix. Matteo Milleri is a painter of sound and Genesys has, and did, change everything.

Ok, here we go...

Where to Stay for the Sphere and Why

First off, I wanted to be able to walk so I decided to stay at the LINQ on the strip. When you walk out and to the back past the parking garage it is a quick 5 minute walk down Krueger Drive to the Sphere. This saved on Ubers and all that hassle. So I highly recommend staying here or The Venetian.

I will also note that my flight arrived at 9am that day of the concert and for only $60 I was able to place the option for an early check-in which is easier the earlier you get there. I used the Kiosk check-in and in 20 minutes or less I had my room! Incredible rather than waiting until what could have been the normal 3pm check-in time.

What time to arrive at The Sphere

I arrived 30 minutes before the opening of the Doors. I had Floor ticket so there are 2 lines for dedicated entrances. I knew I would want to take some pictures and video of course so after doing those I entered the line at quarter till and had a good spot so once they opened the doors and started security it did not feel like a long wait. You make chitchat with people in line and it goes quickly.

If you have a Floor ticket, arriving an hour before the first supporting artist isn't strictly necessary, unless you're aiming for these key benefits:

1.) Locker Access for Convenience: Each Floor entrance has only about 30 lockers, which fill up fast. Securing a locker for your merchandise, jacket, or bag can be a crucial luxury, especially since they're only $11.

2.) First-Time Experience at The Sphere: For newcomers, arriving early allows you to take your time and secure your ideal spot on the floor. Whether you're aiming for the front rail to be close to your artist or the back rail for better video recording, early arrival gives you strategic positioning. Doors opened at 8 PM, with the first supporting act starting at 9 PM. By 8:30 PM, the floor was already quite full, and by 9 PM, it was packed. Many people opted to sit on the floor during the first hour to rest their feet and reserve their spots.

Walking Into The Sphere

Walking through security is fast with the new version of metal screeners. When you turn the corner you’ll see the lockers and it requires using the QR code to access them each time. So the first thing you want to do is get on the Sphere’s free WiFi after getting your floor wristband.

As you walk towards the floor, you’ll pass the hallway for the restrooms and a bar to the left. It is the same for the far side where the bar is on the right. Once you get closer to the floor entrance you’ll see a long bar that connects the two halls and it is fully lit up and pleasing to the senses. There is also a large lounge area but you can’t exactly watch the show from it.

You can freely go up to the reserved seating lobby to say hi to friends up there but due to how tight it was on the floor I chose to just stay put and not lose my place since I had people coming to join me. They arrived at 9pm and they were overwhelmed with how crowded it was. This is another reason for getting there at the doors open so you can accumulate and just relax especially if you plan on getting Merch.  

There is the left entrance to the Floor and the Right side entrance when looking at the front of the Sphere or stage per se. What I noticed was for whatever reason the left hand side entrance to the floor had roughly double the foot traffic. No idea why but due to this it could delay you getting back onto the floor. Therefore, if you need to go to restroom leave the floor and head to the right side hallway. There is far less foot traffic.

It took me less than 5 minutes to go to the restroom and get back to my spot in the middle and back of the floor. I left 15 to 20 minutes before the end of the last supporting artist for the restroom break before Anyma. Also a helpful hack,  before you leave - look up at the first row seats and spot someone that you will remember - most likely by what they are wearing. This will provide a very fast waypoint to locate when you return and track back to your place even if it is dark. The bathrooms are surprisingly large and there were no lines and most importantly no lines for the women’s restroom which is always a problem at even the largest venues.

The Floor versus The Reserved Seats - A Critical Decision

Cost of Floor vs. Reserved Seats

My floor ticket to Anyma The End of Genesys was $265. The reserved seats started at $600 when they went on sale. This is not to say this is what the price difference is for all concerts but that is what it was on Ticketmaster the day of the sale.

General Admission Floor Tickets:‍

PROS:

Proximity to Action: GA floor tickets place you closer to the performers, offering a more intimate experience where you can feel the energy of the stage directly. You feel like you are part of the show. It is way more immersive energy with the visuals and sound which sounds strange since the seats above are “more in it” but that experience translates to it being more like a movie.

Field of View: Your POV is absolutely insane. Yes, you do get some neck strain after 2 hours but it is worth it and I have a remedy for it down below. When you look at my pictures and vertical videos on our Instagram page you can see how your view is unobstructed, hence, the immersion. Because when you are above you see the rest of the audience and it is more of a perpendicular field of view which “takes you out of it” and why it feels more like you are watching a movie. The depth perception from the floor is the perfect distance from the screen and the geometry with your eye just is more pleasing in my opinion.

Freedom to Dance: You're not tied to one spot, allowing you to dance, move around, or find different angles to enjoy the performance. If you are going to see a musician with any more than 2 people then you are going to want to be on the floor together than in the seats depending on how well everyone can handle standing for hours and claustrophobia as well as how tall each person is. If you are on the shorter side of height, then you want to get there at doors and get a spot closer to the back rail for best viewing. Granted, the entire point of the Sphere is that you are looking up for the most part.

Community Vibe: Being on the floor often means you're part of the crowd's energy, which can be more engaging and communal, especially for high-energy concerts.

Ease for Drinks and Restroom: It goes without saying that it is easier to leave the floor for these things than it is to make everyone in a row have to move their legs as you move all the way down those massive rows to get to the end. I imagine that gets seriously annoying with people making trips to get more alcohol.

CONS:

Early Arrival: To get a good spot, you need to arrive 2 hours in advance of the headliner, which can be inconvenient or not possible for everyone

Physical Comfort: There's no seating, so you'll be standing for the duration of the show, which can be tiring or uncomfortable for some. On top of the claustrophobia that is unavoidable if you are not used to being sandwiched between hundreds

View Obstruction: There's also less of a guarantee that you'll see everything clearly.

Need for a locker: If you are bringing your small bag and jacket, then it will be less than ideal to hold for hours versus placing under your seat.

Less Sensory Experience: While you're closer to the stage, you might miss out on some of the venue's unique features like haptic seats which add to the sensory experience. This will prove to be a personal preference and invariably certain artists shows will be more enjoyable in the above reserved seats but this is more of a reference across all genres of music than for electronic dance music Sphere performances.

Summary on Floor versus Reserved Seats

I think it really comes down to who is the Artist that you are seeing. If it is a band then I would like to enjoy relaxing in my seat, however, this totally changes if you want to sit while there are people who are standing in the row below you. This of course is going to flat out ruin your view and experience as this will block the lower half of the screen. Nonetheless, one would want to choose wisely because I think for any large group of friends you will want to be on the floor.

Blog Intermission: Our Recommended Creature Comforts to Bring

*Keep in mind I read the FAQ’s on the Sphere website beforehand

1) For Neck Strain on Floor - Next time I go to the Sphere I will bring a small inflatable neck pillow and I feel like it will be a really funny flex. My neck was definitely maxed out after 3 hours and I had my hands behind my neck. I was also only 10 feet from the rear rail so I was not even in the middle of the floor.

2) A Fan - Fans are allowed although not in the FAQ’s for allowed items. I would say a fan would be good to have but just don’t fan clack in the Sphere or you are seriously asking for it.

3) Hydration - Water containers are allowed and if you are not drinking then this will be crucial for you to stay hydrated. I recommend a collapsible water bottle from Amazon. Note that if you purchase water, depending on the bar, some people were given a bottle of water and others poured into a cup.

4) Sealed Gum was allowed, for now but I doubt for long. Gum truly is a crucial tool for prolonged periods of standing.

5) Ear Plugs make sense during the supporting artists but for the headliner you will find that you will want to hear the music in this incredible sound system without your ear plugs. The truth is the volume could be 10 decibels louder.

The Pros and Cons of the Reserved Seats in The Sphere Las Vegas

PROS:

The View: Granted not all views from the reserved seats are created equal with many outright sucking. Seriously, what is the point if you are anywhere but dead center. Whatever the center costs is worth it if you only go to one Sphere show per year.

Comfort: Seated options provide a place to rest, which is particularly beneficial if you're not fond of standing for extended periods. Keep in mind that only 10,000 out of the 18,600 seats have haptic technology, however, all have speakers.

Arrive Whenever: You don’t need to arrive early to claim a good spot, which reduces the physical demand of standing or maneuvering through the crowd.

Better for Certain Shows: For performances where the focus is on visuals or storytelling, seats might offer a better experience as they allow you to take in the full scope of the production without the physical demands that the floor ticket demands.

Accessibility: Reserved seating can be more accommodating for those with mobility issues or who require special accessibility considerations.

Your stuff: You have a place to put your jacket, purse, and artist merch under your seat.

CONS:

Vibes and Politeness: Unfortunately, it is going to be luck of the draw on who is seated around you. You may get some serious inconsiderate jerks around you who are there to say they saw a Sphere show rather than are there because they are huge fans of the Artist performing. Meaning, they get seriously wasted or sometimes worse - they came to talk for 3 hours straight and so loud that you can’t even hear the music. Total nightmare and perhaps even worse than a fan clacker.

Limited Interaction: Being seated might reduce your ability to interact with the performance or move closer to the action, which can be a drawback for fans who enjoy dancing or being near the stage.

View Might Be Blocked: Depending on your seat location, part of your view will be blocked. When the row in front of you stands up to dance, albeit there is no where to move your feet, it will ruin your experience if you want to stay seated.  

Cost: Reserved seats, especially in prime locations, can be as high as $600+ like for Anyma.

Leaving your Seat: It is a pain if you are deep into your row and have to traverse across dozens of seats to get out and then get back. Same goes for everyone in your row and in front of you every time someone has to go to the restroom or get more drinks. Basically, prepare for constant interruptions. Definitely, not for me.

Therefore, The Choice is Yours!

Choose Reserved Seats if you want comfort, a guaranteed view, and the security of having a designated spot.

Opt for General Admission Floor if interacting with the performance, moving with the music, and being close to the stage are more important to you, although this comes with the trade-off of potentially less comfort and view assurance. If you are raver or major festival goer, then the Floor is your jam - no question.

Remember, the experience can vary significantly depending on the artist's performance style, the nature of the show, and your personal preferences for concert-going. Also, keep in mind that these observations are based on my personal experience for being on the floor for Anyma on December 29, 2024; along with interviewing people who had reserved seats.

As we wrap up, here is a list of Do's and Dont's Reminders for attending a concert at Sphere Las Vegas

Do's:

1. Arrive Early: Do get to the venue early to soak in the atmosphere, explore the unique architecture, and avoid long lines for entry.

2. Dress Comfortably: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you have floor tickets.

3. Locker if you have a Floor ticket: Do get a locker if you have a floor ticket and have to bring anything or plan to get merch. Holding anything will be a nightmare and you’ll use more energy.

4. Prepare for Sensory Overload: Do brace for an intense audio-visual experience. The Sphere's LED screen and sound system are unparalleled, so if you're sensitive to sensory stimuli, you might want to prepare accordingly.

5. Explore the Venue: Do take a moment to appreciate and explore the venue's design, including the outside Sphere before or after the show. It's a landmark in itself.

6. Plan Your Transportation: Do plan how you'll get to and from the venue with plenty of time

Dont’s:

1. Don't Come for Social Hour: Don't come to the Sphere if you are going to talk and use the time to catch up with your friends; save it for the Casino afterwards. Enjoy the music and be present. There cannot be anything more annoying than people talking continuously at a concert.

2. Avoid Overlooking Your Health: Don't ignore your physical well-being. If you have conditions that could be exacerbated by intense lights, sound, or movement sensations, then it might be too much for you especially if you plan to get intoxicated or using party favors.

3. Don't Leave Early: Don't leave early if you can help it. The venue empties out quickly so packing up and making a production of leaving is just unnecessary. You paid a lot of money for your tickets so stay for the entire show.

4. Don't Expect Extensive Visuals for Supporting Artists: The opening artists do not get full visuals across the Sphere. This is reserved for the headliner. However, you can expect to see some usage of the fixtures on the sides and strobes along the bottom of the screen with some use of the lasers here and there.

5. Don't Overlook Ticket Information: Don't overlook details about your tickets, especially if you've purchased a special package or suite reservation, which might include additional perks or rules.

Who Should be Next in The Sphere?

Our List: TIËSTO, Rufus du Sol, Martin Garrix, Odesza, Subtronics, Armin Van Buuren, DJ Snake, Deadmau5, Kx5, Rezz, FISHER, The Chainsmokers, Above & Beyond, Illenium, and John Summit

The Top 10 Fun Facts on the engineering marvel, The Sphere Las Vegas:

1.) World's Largest Spherical Building: The Sphere stands at 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, making it the largest spherical structure in the world. It spans a total area of 875,000 square feet.

2.) Exospheric LED Display: The exterior of The Sphere is covered with 580,000 square feet of LED panels, capable of displaying 1 billion colors at once, making it a dynamic digital canvas visible from miles away.

3.) Immersive Audio Experience: Inside, The Sphere boasts 160,000 speakers using beamforming and wave field synthesis technology, ensuring every seat gets an unparalleled audio experience.

4.) High-Resolution Visuals: It features the world's largest concert-grade LED screen, with a resolution of 16K, providing an immersive visual spectacle with 268,435,456 pixels.

5.) Haptic and 4D Effects: 10,000 of the venue's seats are equipped with haptic technology, allowing viewers to feel vibrations. Additionally, The Sphere includes 4D features like scent and wind, enhancing the sensory experience.

6.) Construction Marvel: The construction of The Sphere involved excavating 110,000 cubic yards of dirt and rock, and it required the use of the fourth-largest crane crawler in the world for assembly.

7.) Economic Impact: The Sphere is not just an entertainment venue but also an economic catalyst expected to generate significant employment and tourism revenue for Las Vegas.

8.) U2 and Beyond: The Sphere’s grand opening was graced with a residency by the legendary rock band, U2; showcasing the venue's capabilities with their "Achtung Baby" performance. The main reason for this is Jim Dolan and MSG’s history with the band as U2 has the 7th most performances at Madison Square Garden (MSG Entertainment built The Sphere and then spun it off as Sphere Entertainment Company). Hence, Dolan wanted the legendary band to christen The Sphere.

9.) Energy Consumption: At peak energy usage, The Sphere requires 28 megawatts, equivalent to supplying power to 21,000 homes. However, about 70% of this energy is planned to come from solar power.

10.) Cultural and Artistic Canvas: Beyond concerts, The Sphere hosts immersive experiences like "Postcard from Earth" by Darren Aronofsky, turning the venue into a space for art and cultural experiences.