MSG Sphere at The Venetian

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MSG Sphere at The Venetian
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
LocationParadise, Nevada, U.S.
Public transitLas Vegas Monorail, Sands Expo Station
RTC Transit
The Deuce
OwnerMadison Square Garden Entertainment
Las Vegas Sands Corporation
OperatorMadison Square Garden Entertainment
Capacity17,500
Construction
Broke groundSeptember 27, 2018 (2018-09-27)
Built2019–2023
Opened2023 (planned)
Construction cost$1.865 billion
ArchitectPopulous
General contractorAECOM
Madison Square Garden
Website
www.msgsphere.com

MSG Sphere at The Venetian is a sphere-shaped music and entertainment arena being built in Paradise, Nevada, near the Las Vegas Strip and east of the Venetian resort. The 17,500-seat auditorium was initially scheduled to open in 2021,[1][2] but construction was suspended in April 2020 due to a disruption in the project's supply chain, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction resumed later that year, with the opening rescheduled for 2023.

History[]

The MSG Sphere arena was announced in February 2018,[3][4] and is being built in partnership between The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) and Las Vegas Sands Corporation.[5] The MSG Sphere is located east of Las Vegas Sands' Venetian resort and just off the Las Vegas Strip.[4] The sphere-shaped venue will have a capacity of 17,500 and feature the world's largest LED screen. Las Vegas Sands contributed the 18-acre (7.3 ha) site for the project.[6] The sphere was designed by Populous.[7] The property will include 304 parking spaces, while additional spaces will be available at the parking garages for the nearby Venetian, Palazzo, and Sands Expo.[8]

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 27, 2018, and was attended by approximately 300 people, including Las Vegas Sands' Sheldon Adelson and Nevada governor Brian Sandoval.[1] In November 2018, it was reported that the MSG Sphere would be built along with new bars, private suites, a museum and retail space.[9] AECOM began working on the site in February 2019, through a preliminary agreement. AECOM had worked on several other stadiums, including the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.[10] Excavation was underway in March 2019.[11] Approximately 110,000 cubic yards (84,000 m3) of dirt and caliche were excavated to prepare the site for construction.[10] AECOM was named as the general contractor in June 2019.[10][12] The project had 400 construction workers. This number was expected to eventually reach a peak of 1,500.[13] Construction of the basement was underway in July 2019.[14] Madison Square Garden estimated the project to cost $1.2 billion, while AECOM projected costs at $1.7 billion. Negotiations were underway to lower the costs.[6]

By October 2019, construction crews had completed the 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2) basement as well as the first ground level of the sphere.[7] The basement area will be used as public space for events.[13] Excavation went as deep as 21 feet for construction of the basement.[10] In December 2019, the sphere reached 65 feet in height with the completion of a fourth level. MSG Sphere will have a total of eight levels upon completion, and will be the largest spherical building in the world at 875,000 sq ft (81,300 m2).[15]

In February 2020, Madison Square Garden said that the cost of the project had been increased to $1.66 billion as a result of design changes consisting of guest enhancements.[16] That month, the world's fourth-largest crane was set up on the site's northeast side for the purpose of lifting heavy construction materials. The crane is capable of standing up to 580 feet. In a disassembled state, the crane was transported across the Atlantic Ocean from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Port Hueneme, California. The crane then required 120 tractor-trailers to transport it to Las Vegas. A separate crane was required to assemble the main crane, a process which took 18 days.[17][18] In March 2020, construction reached the widest point of the sphere, the 516-foot equator, located at the sixth level and 108 feet above ground.[19]

MSG Sphere is expected to create 4,400 jobs upon opening.[10] The project had been scheduled to open in 2021.[13] On March 31, 2020, Madison Square Garden announced that construction would be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project experienced a disruption in its supply chain, a result of the pandemic, and this hindered construction progress. All construction work on the project was expected to come to a stop over the next two weeks following the announcement.[20][21] In August 2020, MSG Entertainment announced that construction had resumed on the project, with the opening rescheduled for 2023. Over the subsequent 15 months, construction would be focused on concrete, followed by steel erection and then the 13,000-ton steel-domed roof, the most complex part of the project.[22][23] In October 2020, crews completed the heaviest lift up to that point, with the installation of two 240-ton steel girders.[24][25]

Madison Square Garden took over as general contractor in December 2020, although AECOM continued to provide support.[26][27] A 170-ton steel compression ring was added in February 2021, marking the heaviest lift of the entire project. Due to its size, the ring had to be assembled at the construction site. Work crews spent three weeks welding and bolting the prefabricated steel pieces together, and the crane was then used to lift the ring into place.[28][29][30]

The dome's roof required six million pounds of steel.[31] The roof started to take shape in March 2021, as crews began the installation of 32 trusses, each one weighing 100 tons.[32] Truss installation reached the midway point in May 2021, and the crane had to be moved to the southern side of the property to install the remainder. Because of its size, the crane's relocation took two days.[33] It was announced a few days later that the projected cost of the MSG Sphere had increased to $1.826 billion.[34] The cost had already been expected to increase as construction proceeded.[35]

The dome was topped off on June 18, 2021,[36] and work was already underway on an external exosphere which will be built around the dome.[37] The exosphere will be made of LED light panels which will be visible from several miles away. It will be 30 percent taller than the dome. A second topping out, for the exosphere, is scheduled in 2022.[36][38] Work on the sphere's interior began in August 2021,[39] with the project now estimated to cost $1.865 billion.[40]

An identical MSG Sphere is planned to be built in Stratford, East London.[41][42]

Features[]

Upon its completion, the MSG Sphere will be 366 feet (112 m) high and 516 feet (157 m) wide at its broadest point.[13] It will include seating for 17,500 people,[15] and all seats will have high speed internet access.[43] The venue can accommodate 20,000 people in standing capacity.[27] The MSG Sphere will be equipped with 19,000 by 13,500 resolution LED screens which will spread across the interior of the venue.[43] The wraparound screen will measure 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2).[44] It will be the largest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world.[37] Ted King, who previously worked on Star Trek: The Experience, will create visual content for the MSG Sphere.[45] The sound system will deliver sound through the floorboards. The exterior of the venue will feature 54,000 square meters of programmable lighting.[46] The arena will primarily host awards shows and concerts, in addition to other entertainment events.[47] Although it was not designed to host sporting events, there was the possibility of hosting matches for boxing and mixed martial arts.[8] A 1,000-foot pedestrian bridge will connect the sphere to the Sands Expo.[6]

Transit links[]

The MSG Sphere will be accessible via RTC Transit and The Deuce.[citation needed] In addition, there are plans to build a new Las Vegas Monorail station to serve the MSG Sphere and The Venetian.[9][48][49]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Velotta, Richard N. (2018-09-27). "Work begins on 18,000-seat MSG Sphere at The Venetian". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  2. ^ "Populous to build spherical music venues in Vegas and London". Dezeen. 2018-02-14. Retrieved 2018-10-10.
  3. ^ Akers, Mick (2018-02-09). "Next Las Vegas arena a 360-foot-tall sphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Velotta, Richard N. (2018-02-09). "New performance venue near Las Vegas Strip to reshape skyline". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  5. ^ "LV Sands commits $75 million to MSG Sphere arena project". LasVegasSun.com. 2018-07-19. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c Velotta, Richard N. (2019-08-20). "MSG Sphere at The Venetian to cost $1.2B plus". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Velotta, Richard N. (2019-10-14). "MSG Sphere beginning to take shape in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b Akers, Mick (2018-02-21). "Planned sphere arena to use existing casino parking". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b MSG Sphere project calls for bars, museum, private suites, new Monorail stop
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Velotta, Richard N. (2019-06-03). "MSG Sphere venue in Las Vegas moving forward with contractor". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  11. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2019-03-13). "MSG Sphere excavation begins near Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  12. ^ Horwath, Bryan (2019-06-03). "Builder picked for MSG Sphere at the Venetian". VegasInc. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Velotta, Richard N. (2019-07-23). "Get a first look at MSG Sphere construction in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  14. ^ Sheckells, Melinda (2019-07-24). "Las Vegas' MSG Sphere at The Venetian Will Be An 'Architectural Marvel': Photos". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b Velotta, Richard N. (2019-12-19). "MSG Sphere construction in Las Vegas reaches 65-foot level". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  16. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-02-07). "MSG Sphere design upgrades boost total cost to $1.66B". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  17. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-02-26). "Massive crane arrives at MSG Sphere site for upcoming heavy lifts". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  18. ^ Seeman, Matthew (2020-02-26). "Massive 580-foot tall crane arrives at MSG Sphere site in Las Vegas". KSNV. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  19. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-03-12). "MSG Sphere project reaches new milestone". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  20. ^ Segall, Eli (2020-03-31). "MSG Sphere construction halted; Las Vegas opening delayed by coronavirus". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  21. ^ Horwath, Bryan (2020-03-31). "Virus halting work on MSG Sphere project on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  22. ^ Horwath, Bryan (2020-08-14). "Work resumes at MSG Sphere site on Strip, company says". VegasInc. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  23. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-08-20). "Heavy lifts will mark MSG Sphere construction in next 15 months". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  24. ^ Seeman, Matthew (2020-10-14). "Crews finish heaviest lifts to date at MSG Sphere project near Las Vegas Strip". KSNV. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  25. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-10-14). "Heavy lift of steel beams completed at MSG Sphere site". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  26. ^ Puppel, Doug (2020-12-18). "AECOM Out as General Contractor on $1.6B MSG Sphere in Las Vegas". Engineering News-Record. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  27. ^ Jump up to: a b Szydelko, Paul (2020-12-29). "The MSG Sphere continues to expand at the Venetian". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  28. ^ Kilpatrick, Christine (2021-02-25). "Massive Crane Places 170-Ton Compression Ring at Big Vegas MSG Sphere Project". Engineering News-Record. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  29. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2021-02-22). "MSG Sphere crane lifts, installs ring weighing as much as 2 Boeing 757s". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  30. ^ Lilly, Caitlin (2021-02-22). "Crews complete heaviest lift on MSG Sphere project in Las Vegas". KVVU. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  31. ^ Mejia, Hector (2021-06-17). "MSG Sphere taking shape: Details from our 90-minute hard hat tour". KLAS. Retrieved 2021-06-19.
  32. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2021-03-23). "Watch MSG Sphere take shape as 100-ton roof trusses are installed". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  33. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2021-05-05). "See the latest progress as The MSG Sphere takes shape". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  34. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2021-05-08). "New cost estimate for MSG Sphere at The Venetian: $1.826B". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  35. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2021-02-17). "Cost of MSG Sphere project expected to increase before 2023 opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  36. ^ Jump up to: a b Horwath, Bryan (2021-06-17). "Construction milestone reached on MSG Sphere". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2021-06-19.
  37. ^ Jump up to: a b Wilcox, Kyle (2021-06-17). "Behind the Scenes: Tour of the MSG Sphere". KSNV. Retrieved 2021-06-19.
  38. ^ Shoro, Mike (2021-06-17). "Massive MSG Sphere frame in place, work continues". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-06-19.
  39. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2021-08-23). "Interior work set to begin on MSG Sphere". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
  40. ^ Bary, Andrew (2021-08-23). "MSG Entertainment Surges on Relief Over Cost of Concert Venue". Barron's. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
  41. ^ "All you need to know about the planned MSG Sphere London". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 2018-10-20.
  42. ^ Kennedy, Catherine (2021-03-26). "Progress on MSG's Las Vegas 'sphere' offers glimpse of what could soon be built in East London". New Civil Engineer. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  43. ^ Jump up to: a b The MSG Sphere: The Future of Live Concert Experiences
  44. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-08-14). "Sphere developers expect LV entertainment 'to come back roaring'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  45. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (2020-06-21). "Man behind 'Star Trek: The Experience' to direct MSG Sphere content". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  46. ^ "Las Vegas is Building the World's Largest Sphere". The B1M. 2021-08-25. Retrieved 2021-08-26.
  47. ^ Akers, Mick (2018-05-19). "Planned sphere arena touted for unique audio and visual offerings". VegasInc. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  48. ^ Monorail station planned for MSG Sphere arena in Las Vegas
  49. ^ https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/clark-county/msg-sphere-will-have-las-vegas-monorail-station-1555085/

External links[]

Coordinates: 36°07′14″N 115°09′41″W / 36.12056°N 115.16139°W / 36.12056; -115.16139

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