From a distance, it resembles a bowling ball: shiny and molded into a perfectly round sphere. However, it’s a humongous bowling ball standing 366 feet high, and costing $2.3 billion to create; it’s considered an architectural feat. Welcome to the Sphere, Las Vegas’s most expensive entertainment venue and according to Architectural Digest, “the largest spherical structure in the world.”
When the doors opened in September 2023, the reviews were unanimous, agreeing that this was truly something out of this world. The Irish band, U2, christened the venue, and began their residency which spanned 40 concerts, ending in March of 2024. Since then, the band Phish, and Dead & Company have performed there, and this past Fall, the Eagles took up their own residency and are scheduled to remain until next month.
Although Glen Frey, one of the founding band members died in 2016, the band has reformed and added country singer Vince Gill, and Frey’s son Deacon Frey. The band’s “Take It To the Limit: One More Time Tour” was in perfect form on their opening night at the Sphere last February 14th – Valentine’s Day.
Fans were instructed to be in their seats by the 8 p.m. start as the band’s most famous and popular hit “Hotel California,” would be the first number. Played flawlessly by the members and including Joe Walsh’s masterful guitar solo, it was just a taste of the magical show to come. Behind the band stage giant screens projected images that moved in pace with the songs, and these images spanned the entire viewing area: to the left, to the right, even overhead. Images like snow floated down from the ceiling, 3D style, at one point the video on screen was so real, it felt as if the entire audience were floating along on a slow-moving river. Whether the images and videos played were related to the song lyrics, or giant-sized images of the band members, there was always something eye-popping to see.
Hit after hit, with each member getting their solo or place in the limelight, the audience couldn’t ask for more. For a band that’s been around for over 50 years and continues to play their long-time hits with affection and gusto, it was – for this Valentine’s night – quite the love letter. And, for the audience, who returned the love, it was a night to remember.
When there isn’t a band in town, the Sphere also offers interactive experiences like a holographic art installation, a chat with a robot, a view of 22nd century technology, and the film, Postcard from Earth which plays on the world’s largest hi-def screen, with “seats that make you feel everything.” And come hungry with eateries on levels 2,4, and 6 offering restaurants, snack bars, and multi-service bars with draught beers and signature cocktails.
Next time you’re in Vegas, skip the casino for the night and make a visit to the big bowling ball next to the Venetian Resort.
For more information, go to the website for The Sphere.
Photos by MJ Hanley-Goff
