Tag: Las Vegas Sphere

The Next Big Las Vegas Sphere Residencies • This Week in Gambling

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Las Vegas Sphere has already welcomed some big-name performers, including the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, and U2. Now, rumors are flying, and everyone wants to know: Who will headline the next Sphere residency?! Well, the Sphere does not confirm new residencies until the ink on the contracts is dry, but that doesn’t stop folks from talking about them. And from local news outlets to the national media and even among some music industry insiders, several big names are being tossed around as possibly being the next headline acts.

We begin with the bands rumored to be considering a run at the Sphere, including names like Depeche Mode, classic rock and roll bands Kiss and Genesis, and even the legendary Roger Waters. These names have appeared on some blog posts around the web, but there seems to be almost zero chance they will actually get to perform there. Then there were rumors of pop sensation Ed Sheeran, who wore Sphere branded glasses during his Las Vegas show a few years ago and promised to see fans again in 2026. While he will perform in Sin City this summer, that will be at Allegiant Stadium and not the Las Vegas Sphere. Other rumors included Beyonce, who actually used images of the Sphere during her Las Vegas show just last year. However, a cease and desist order put a quick end to that as well as most of the talk surrounding her getting a residency.

That brings us to Guns and Roses. While there’s been no official word from either side about a residency, Slash said the band had no intention of performing there. Following a conversation with the Eagles last year, Slash stated that he believes the venue might not be rock and roll friendly. So, while we cannot rule out a residency from one of these performers at some point in the future, we can say that for this year at least, they are probably more hope than reality.

But before we look at the performers who are likely to get the next Las Vegas Sphere residency, here’s a quick look at the artist already performing there from now through this summer, including who else but the Eagles from next month into April. But we all know that could be extended yet again. Plus, the much anticipated No Doubt residency is coming in early May. Later in the year, it will be country sensation Kenny Chesney, who returns after his 15 show residency at the Sphere last June and July, along with another appearance from the Backstreet Boys.

Now we turn our attention to those big name bands who many believe are likely to be the next residencies at the Sphere. Bands who have been mentioned in several conversations and who are actively in talks about playing there. And first up, it’s none other than Queen with lead singer Adam Lambert. The band is in discussions with the Las Vegas Sphere and members have stated that they would prefer a residency over another tour. Guitarist Brian May stated that after watching the Eagles perform, he was keen on the Sphere, stating how much he would like to play there.

Next, it’s Tool, who many believe would be a great fit for the venue since the band already incorporates visual imagery into their shows. The 360 degree canvas could play into their immersive productions and the band is officially in talks with the Sphere about a residency to possibly coincide with a new musical release. And finally this week we come to Metallica. Rolling Stone stated that their fan base spectacle and energy would make them an obvious contender. adding their heavy visuals and show production could be amazing in a fully immersive environment. And the best part, rumors are that negotiations between the band and the Las Vegas Sphere are done and that the deal has been finalized.

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February 24, 2026
Vegas Projects on Life Support: Can They be Saved? • This Week in Gambling

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New Las Vegas projects and construction is always popping up, but even the most promising and exciting plans don’t always work out. So, This Week in Gambling, we’re looking at four Sin City projects: Two open now, and two under construction, that might not make it another year.

For every Las Vegas player who wins, there are many players who lose. And for every Las Vegas project that succeeds, there are many projects that fail. Now, the city’s new baseball stadium and that high-speed rail project are in jeopardy. But let’s begin with one of Sin City’s biggest gambles ever: The Las Vegas Sphere!

The lights came on July 4th of 2023, and the venue opened to the public a few months later. Their first quarterly financial report showed a loss of almost $100 million which included opening expenses and some construction costs. However, 2 years removed, the Sphere has yet to post a profit. Their latest financials show a loss of nearly $130 million just last quarter. And their parent company, Sphere Entertainment, was carrying a $ 1.5 billion debt to start the year. So, what’s going on?

Unlike some other Las Vegas projects, the Sphere relies on high demand, high revenue residencies, and there are not many of those to go around. Also, attendance is tied to Las Vegas tourism, which has been in the tank this year, leading to lower ticket demand and prices. All is not lost though as their Wizard of Oz show has generated more revenue than expected, leading to a change in business philosophy towards creating unique and immersive content, and running more shows each day. But still the question remains: Just how much can they lose before they have to call it quits?

And speaking of Vegas projects hemorrhaging cash, one of the newest five-star resorts in Sin City also opened in 2023 and has also failed to show a profit yet, and that is Fontainebleau. As they approach their 2-year anniversary, the property is in a critical financial time and needs to refinance their debt. How much debt is not clear, but it’s estimated to be nearly a billion dollars.

Adding fuel to the fire is the ongoing federal investigation into possible anti-money laundering violations, along with the layoffs of more than 50 table game dealers. Plus, the departure of several key executives, including their Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer. Restructuring debt could significantly reduce the interest on their loans, and while there is no immediate threat of Fontainebleau closing, the risk of failure is not insignificant.

Now, it was just a month ago that we visited the site of the new Las Vegas baseball stadium, and construction was underway. But for how long? That’s the question. Many of the best laid plans for new Las Vegas projects break ground only to run out of money before completion. Think Dream Las Vegas. And that’s a real concern with this stadium project as well. Estimates for the new ballpark were initially $1.5 billion… then 1.75 billion… and now it’s up to $2 billion or more. And that’s just for the stadium, not the new Bally’s casino that they want to build next to it.

The company had been working with gaming and leisure properties on several sale leaseback agreements in order to raise cash, but GLPI seems reluctant to go any further with this project, raising serious doubts about where they will find the rest of the money. Additionally, the lack of another serious investor has led many to believe that the stadium will never be completed, let alone a new 30,000 room Bally’s resort. And if you think this is a fiasco, then you haven’t been following the high-speed rail project.

Brightline West has barely started the construction of their 220 miles worth of tracks, connecting Las Vegas with Los Angeles, but things are already off the rails. Initial cost estimates put this project in the $8 billion range, which doubled to $16 billion not too long ago. But new estimates have the final cost at a whopping $21.5 billion… and they don’t have the money. With less than $5.5 billion available to them, Brightline has now asked the US Department of Transportation for a $6 billion loan. And that’s in addition to the $3 billion they received in federal grant money.

But that would still be considerably short of what they actually need. Additionally, the cost of train tickets on Brightline would be equal to or more than plane tickets, and travel time by rail will take over two hours compared to just 1 hour in the air. So, that’s a look at some of the Las Vegas projects that may or may not make it through 2026. Hopefully, they survive, but when money is involved, you just never know.

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November 11, 2025
Amazing New Shows at the Vegas Sphere this Fall • This Week in Gambling

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What amazing new shows at the Vegas Sphere will be playing this fall? There are huge rock stars scheduled to perform, an “immersive” concert movie people will love, the first ever electronic music act, and a Hollywood movie classic that fits their huge wrap-around screen!

The Sphere has been lighting up Las Vegas for over a year now, with some amazing displays both outside and inside the venue. And while this fall will bring some huge new shows, it ain’t all been beer and Skittles! Over its first year of operation the Sphere lost nearly $500 million. Not a great start for a venue that cost over $2 billion dollar to build. But to despite the red flags, things are moving forward and ownership remains positive.

One thing that they have learned over their first 12 months in operation is that their movies make more money for them than the concerts do. And keeping this in mind they have decided to combine the best of both worlds, so to speak, with their brand new V-U2 Immersive Concert Film, one of the most anticipated new shows at the Vegas Sphere. Filmed at the Sphere during the band’s amazing residency, using the Big Sky Ultra High-Resolution camera system. So if you missed U2 in concert, this will be as close as you can come to being there! Shows begin September 5th and run all the way through Halloween!

Of course, they have not abandoned live concerts altogether. In fact, one of the biggest names in rock music is set to open their residency at the Sphere in just a few weeks! The Eagles are also one of the new shows at the Vegas Sphere this fall, and they will perform shows on most Friday and Saturday evenings over a 4-month period. Originally scheduled to run through mid-December, their stay has now been extended through the end of January.

However, if Rock and Roll ain’t your thing, perhaps you can ring in the New Year with something that promises to be truly spectacular and amazing: Anyma, the End of Genesys is a high caliber live show with DJ Matteo Milleri. This will be the first electronic music act at the Sphere, taking full advantage of the advanced concert grade immersive sound system! Shows run from December 27th through January 1st.

And here’s a little bonus for you: Even though we don’t know when, the Sphere is planning to show the Wizard of Oz! You know, once they take the film and transform it so that it plays on their
huge wraparound screen! This amazing addition to the new shows at the Vegas Sphere is going to cost them about $80 million to produce. But at this point, what’s another 80 million? So moving forward, the Sphere believes that the hard road is behind them, and that good times lie ahead. In fact, their U2 concert film is already grabbing a lot of headlines!

And finally this week, here’s something you might not know about the Sphere: It makes noise! Like, on the outside of the building! They’ve started adding musical tracks to accompany their exterior light show. And while that might sound really cool for the average tourist, it’s a real pain in the ass if you live next door! Since July 4th the Sphere has been broadcasting music externally to accompany their light show… all day… every day… non-stop. Rattling windows in homes and apartments nearby, and keeping people up at night. Which, as you can imagine,has their neighbors a little pissed off!

After several complaints, Clark County says that they will consider this matter at their upcoming meeting on September 4th. Neighbors say that if they cannot force the Sphere to stop playing this music, then please… for the love of all that’s holy… at least make them stop playing Michael Bolton! I don’t think that’s too much to ask!

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August 27, 2024
Two New Projects at the Las Vegas Sphere • This Week in Gambling

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Sin City is always changing… just ask the Tropicana or the Mirage. Now, we have heard whispers of at least two new projects at the Las Vegas Sphere. If these rumors are accurate, then the venue should continue to bring in audiences for the next several months, even without the headlining live entertainment events they have already locked in.

You will only read this scoop on our website, and perhaps the website we stole it from, Vital Vegas. We do hope they’re not angry with us. After all, imitation (and curation) is the sincerest form of flattery.And since they have all the good, inside information what else are we to do?

The first rumor of the new projects at the Las Vegas Sphere is easy to see happening, as it involves the band U2. They just wrapped up their residency in February of this year, after all, so the scoop is an hour long film of the band in all its high definition glory, most likely shot during their performances.

A U2 experience seems like it would be a perfect fit for the venue, as the band’s residency was well-received. Surely anyone who missed them in Vegas would love the chance to experience footage filmed during their shows, possibly integrate with graphics woven together to showcase Sphere’s capabilities.

The next rumor seemed odd to us at first, but upon reflection may actually be pretty cool. You see, the second of these new projects at the Las Vegas Sphere would focus on the movie classic the Wizard of Oz. After all, it was the “wow” film of its day nearly 100 years ago, so why not give it another go? And hey, maybe this time it will be properly set to the Dark Side of the Moon album like it should have been originally!

These rumors will need confirmation, of course. But pumping out films of approximately 60-minute in length would not only make sense for drawing in tourists and locals, but work perfectly to allow several shows a day and increase ticket sales. Yes, we actually do think about business type of stuff from time to time.

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July 25, 2024
Anyma at the Las Vegas Sphere for New Year’s • This Week in Gambling

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Are you ready for Anyma at the Las Vegas Sphere this New Year? December could be spectacular, as the perfect culmination of technological forces arrive when Afterlife presents Anyma ‘The End of Genesys,’ a captivating and unique event, presented by Live Nation. The original performance was scheduled for the evening of December 31st. However, due to overwhelming demand, two new dates have been added on December 29th and 30th.

Operating at the compelling intersection between art, technology, and music, Anyma—a genre leader heralded for his critically-acclaimed albums Genesys and Genesys II, as well as his high-caliber live shows–is the multidisciplinary music and contemporary art project with Matteo Milleri at the helm.

Afterlife has evolved from an event series and record label to become a multidimensional platform for groundbreaking artists and visually sensational installations. As the first electronic music act at the Sphere Las Vegas, and the venue’s first New Year’s Eve performance, Anyma will present the audio/visual ‘Genesys’ show, which has fascinated audiences around the world. The inclusion of special guests will highlight the concluding performance of ‘Genesys.’

The Anyma at the Las Vegas Sphere New Years Eve performance will showcase a meticulously curated selection of music and visual art, ensuring an unforgettable and distinctive encounter. Sphere’s next-generation technologies–including the world’s highest-resolution LED display and its advanced concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by HOLOPLOT– will be combined with Anyma and Afterlife’s signature production. Fans can expect a sensory-expanding mix of innovative visuals and sounds that defy the boundaries of what’s possible.

Vibee, the music-led destination experience company, will be offering official VIP concert & hotel experience packages for Anyma at the Las Vegas Sphere, including premium tickets, a stay at The Venetian Resort – the only resort connected to Sphere – and more perks that are exclusive to Vibee guests. Packages are available right now when you visit the Vibee website. You can also find more information when you visit the webpage for the Sphere as well.

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July 17, 2024
Year of the Sphere Celebration • This Week in Gambling

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Watch the Year of the Sphere celebration as the Las Vegas Sphere marks the one year anniversary of lighting up Sin City! The show runs through off many of the amazing displays that The Sphere showcased during its first twelve months in operation, and remembers the bands who performed there. All of this is choreographed to music with an accompanying Vegas drone show!

The Las Vegas Sphere has released a video for the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Exosphere, first lit up on July 4th of 2023. The all-new Year of the Sphere video content is set to music with an accompanying drone show. The Fourth of July Celebration marked the launch of two new features for the Vegas Sphere moving forward. The first is the “XO Stream” presented by Verizon, a live stream of the Exosphere that will be available all day, every day on the Sphere Las Vegas website.

Also, the “XO Audio” is a custom music feed synced to content on the Exosphere that will be audible for visitors at the Sphere and online. The Year of the Sphere Fourth of July Celebration was presented by Verizon and honored America with six acts in the ultimate tribute to art, science and wonder, and how that unites us all. The content, which was created and developed by Sphere Studios – an immersive content studio dedicated to creating multi-sensory live entertainment experiences exclusively for Sphere.

The Las Vegas Sphere has become a “…global landmark that has redefined the live experience, including the Exosphere, a captivating platform for storytelling since it first illuminated last Fourth of July,” said Jim Dolan, Chief Executive Officer for Sphere Entertainment, while speaking about the Year of the Sphere display. “We’ve only scratched the surface of what Sphere is capable of both creatively and technologically.”

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July 13, 2024
Fireworks at the Las Vegas Sphere! • This Week in Gambling

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Celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks at the Las Vegas Sphere! Watch amazing drone footage of fireworks and the spectacular Sphere LED show! The rocket’s red glare lights up the Vegas skyline while the Sphere puts on a stunning display of its own!

Sphere Entertainment announced the celebration of their one-year anniversary, which went live on July 4th last year. The fireworks at the Las Vegas Sphere 4th of July Celebration will also mark the launch of two new features of the Exosphere experience moving forward.

“Sphere has become a global landmark that has redefined the live experience, including the Exosphere, a captivating platform for storytelling since it first illuminated last 4th of July,” said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment. “We’ve only scratched the surface of what Sphere is capable of both creatively and technologically…”

“This Fourth of July we are celebrating the Exosphere and all the ways it amazes and connects with audiences around the world, building on its impact and reach,” said Jennifer Koester, President and Chief Operating Officer, Sphere. Prior to the fireworks at the Las Vegas Sphere Fourth of July Celebration, a special pre-show ceremony earlier in the evening will honor the student artists who participated in the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, in which local students designed art inspired by the Fourth of July for the Exosphere.

The Sphere Fourth of July Celebration presented by Verizon will honor America in six acts in the ultimate tribute to art, science and wonder, and how that unites us all. The content highlights America’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, which the Las Vegas Sphere exemplifies. The show will begin with a dynamic celebration of Sphere’s architecture and its impact on the Las Vegas skyline.

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June 29, 2024
Las Vegas Sphere Drone Footage Part 1 • This Week in Gambling

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We have an areal view from Las Vegas with Sphere drone footage! Our compilation of high resolution drone footage from above Sin City as the Sphere goes through incredible displays! Some of the drone footage courtesy of Sphere Entertainment.

Love the Sphere? How about taking a high resolution look at the show from high above Sin City with drone footage! This compilation of quality drone footage of the Sphere will leave you wanting more. And that’s not a bad thing, because this is just Part One!

The Sphere display featured a mix of fireworks and stars and stripes animations before showing a variety of visual scenes, ranging from underwater to lunar surfaces. As the drone footage shows, the Exosphere consists of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks. Each puck contains 48 individual LED diodes.

The ultra-modern facility was officially unveiled in nearly two years ago, and there are plans to replicate it in London. Sin City’s new $2.3billion venue was lit up for the first time to celebrate the Fourth of July,2023. If you enjoyed Sphere drone footage then check out all our other footage from the Las Vegas Sphere, with our uninterrupted Sphere show or our first look inside the Sphere!

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April 6, 2024
Exciting New Things for Las Vegas in 2024

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Amazing events, new performers, concerts, sporting events and more are headed to Las Vegas in 2024! Plus, new plans for the Mirage Volcano and a new residency at the Las Vegas Sphere! As we head into 2024, what will happen with Dream Las Vegas? Will the Mirage Volcano be torn down? When will the new baseball team start playing? And whatever happened to the Harlem Nights Resort?

Hello my friends! And welcome to our very first show of the year with all the amazing stuff headed to Las Vegas in 2024! And just like us, the Mirage Volcano has returned for the New Year! The question is: For how long? Plus, who’s going to follow U2 in residency at the Las Vegas Sphere? But first, this week’s big story is all the amazing stuff headed for Sin City in 2024. From concerts to new casinos to sporting events… and there’s no sporting event bigger in America than the Super Bowl!

Taking place in about a month’s time at Allegiance Stadium, tickets are still available and they cost about as much as a nice used car. Of course, football isn’t the only game in town. Las Vegas is getting a baseball team as well, but not this year. Construction of a new big league ballpark won’t begin until 2025, but that means, my friends, that the Tropicana could shut its door at some point this year.

And speaking of the Tropicana, and all Las Vegas resorts, it seems like there’s always another one on the way. Las Vegas in 2024 will be no different, but as for now construction has yet to begin for the new Tillman Fertitta casino project, located on the Strip across from Aria, permits have been filed but a couple of months ago a spokesperson for the company said that there were no new updates to share.

Then there’s the Harlem Nights project, located near downtown on the historic West Side of Las Vegas. Now the owners have changed the name of the proposed resort from Harlem Nights to simply… the Westside. However, city planners have yet to approve any plans for the 30 story high rise.

Next, there’s the stalled Dream Las Vegas project, located near the airport, which is in the process of securing more financing. The hope is to get construction back on track this year, with an anticipated opening date sometime in 2025. Of course, no discussion about Las Vegas resorts would be complete without mentioning The Mirage.

As most of you know, the Mirage was sold to Hard Rock a while back, and their plan is to transition the Mirage into the Hard Rock at some point this year… or… sometime. But the big news is what they plan to do with the Volcano attraction this month into next!

But first, who’s going to replace U2 when their residency at the Las Vegas Sphere ends this spring? How about some Phish? Yes, when legendary rockers U2 leave the Sphere in early March, Phish will move in to perform four shows, from April 18th through the 21st, and tickets are already on sale!

And finally this week, as most of you already know, the beloved Mirage Volcano will be ripped out at some point this year so that it can be replaced by the new Hard Rock guitar-shaped Hotel. What you may not know, however, is what they plan to do with the Mirage Volcano the week of the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas in 2024! Before we say goodbye to the beloved attraction it will become the Mountain of Entertainment… a fan focused, snow covered venue featuring content from shows on the Paramount Network like Yellowstone and the Transformers.

If you’re wondering why why the hell they’re doing this, you’re not alone. As we discussed at the beginning of this program, the Super Bowl will be played in Las Vegas this year, and the game will be carried on the CBS television network. And the CBS television network is owned by Paramount, and Paramount’s logo is… well, a mountain. A bit labored, but they made it work.

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January 2, 2024
Who's Up at the Las Vegas Sphere After U2?

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The amazing Las Vegas Sphere opened in the summer of last year, and the very first act was the world renown rock band U2. They blew the roof (can we call it a roof?) off the Sphere every month since, but their time at the venue is coming to an end in early March. And the question is who will follow them?

Well, there have been lots of rumors floating around, but several days ago the folks at the Las Vegas Sphere finally made an official announcement. And while the next band may be more mellow and not as famous, their mellow music should still fill the arena!

Phish has officially signed on to deliver a total of four shows this April, and all four will be unique. The band will play four different set lists, and use different props and spinning visuals, all while delivering their unique and pristine sound to Sin City.

“From the moment we first heard about the Las Vegas Sphere and its potential, we’ve been dreaming up ways to bring our show to this breathtaking canvas,” said Trey Anastasio, Phish guitarist and vocalist, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to present this completely unique experience to Phish fans.”

The shows are set to begin April 18th, with the other three running through the 21st. And if you’re disappointment about the short stay, remember that originally U2 was only supposed to play a handful of shows in September and October before having their resend ency extended all the way into the next year!

Fans of Phish already know that the band is famous for not playing the same show twice, but with the amazing sound system, the wraparound LED screens, and the interactive seating, the band’s creativity will really shine through. More information and packages can be found at this Phish website page.

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January 1, 2024
The Las Vegas Sphere Show Uninterrupted, Part Three

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