A Look Inside the Sphere: From Visionary Project to Las Vegas Icon

I recently came across this article about a guy who was arrested after climbing to the top of the Sphere in Las Vegas.

This story is interesting in and of itself but it made me realize that the Sphere is a topic that I would have been all over back in my bloggin' days. After all, my posts about outdoor advertising in cities, how to combat ad blindness and ads on building exteriors have been some of my most viewed posts. 

So...let's write about the Sphere!

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Las Vegas, the city of dazzling lights and larger-than-life experiences, has a new marvel on its horizon: The Sphere. This behemoth isn't just another casino or hotel; it's a technologically advanced entertainment venue pushing the boundaries of live events and reshaping the landscape of outdoor advertising. 

The Sphere's story began in 2018 when the Madison Square Garden Company (now MSG Entertainment) unveiled plans for a revolutionary, spherical entertainment complex. Designed by Populous, the architectural firm behind iconic structures like Yankee Stadium, The Sphere promised an immersive experience unlike any other. 

Construction took years, culminating in the grand opening on September 29th, 2023.  This wasn't just a new venue; it was a statement piece. At a staggering 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, The Sphere holds the title of the world's largest spherical building. But size alone doesn't tell the whole story. The true magic lies in the innovative technology woven into its very fabric.

A Beacon in the Desert: How The Sphere Redefines Outdoor Advertising

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Las Vegas has always been a pioneer in outdoor advertising. From towering casino signs to dazzling LED displays, the city thrives on visual spectacle. The Sphere takes this concept to a whole new level.  

Imagine a giant, high-definition canvas that wraps around the entire building. Now imagine that canvas coming alive with captivating visuals, synchronized with the events happening inside.  This is the power of The Sphere's exterior.  Forget static billboards; The Sphere offers a dynamic platform for brands to tell their stories in a truly immersive way.

Here's how companies can leverage this innovative advertising space:

• High-Resolution Storytelling:  The Sphere's 16,000 square foot LED display boasts an unbelievable resolution, allowing for incredibly detailed and captivating visuals.  Brands can showcase their products, services, and stories in a way that traditional billboards simply can't.
• Interactive Experiences:  The Sphere isn't just a display screen; it's an interactive platform.  Imagine a car commercial where viewers can seemingly "drive" the car around the Sphere's curved surface.  The possibilities for engagement are endless.
• Synchronized Shows:  The exterior display can be seamlessly integrated with the events happening inside The Sphere. Imagine concert visuals spilling out onto the exterior, creating a truly immersive experience for both attendees and passersby.

Beyond the Glitz: The Sphere's Impact on Las Vegas

The Sphere's impact goes beyond dazzling visuals and innovative advertising.  This entertainment giant is poised to redefine the Las Vegas experience in several ways:

• A New Generation of Entertainment:  The Sphere boasts a unique seating arrangement, where two-thirds of the interior is dedicated to the audience, and the remaining space is transformed into a massive stage. This allows for unparalleled artist freedom and the creation of truly immersive shows. 
• A Hub for Innovation: The Sphere isn't just a venue; it's a testament to cutting-edge technology.  From haptic feedback embedded in seats to high-speed internet access for every attendee, The Sphere is a platform for pushing the boundaries of live events.
• A Destination in Itself:  The Sphere's architectural marvel combined with its innovative shows is sure to become a major tourist attraction.  This will not only benefit The Sphere but also generate additional foot traffic for surrounding businesses.

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The Sphere has only just begun its journey, but its impact on Las Vegas and the entertainment industry as a whole is undeniable.  It's a testament to human ingenuity and a glimpse into the future of live events, forever changing the way we experience entertainment and advertising under the bright lights of Las Vegas.  

Neon Lights in Hong Kong

You know I’m a sucker for signs and outdoor advertising so it’s pretty much a given that I found this video about neon lights in Hong Kong to be very interesting. It’s a little lengthy so you may want to save it to your “Watch Later” YouTube videos. Don’t let the subtitles cause you any concern - you can easily keep pace.

(H/T to Laughing Squid)

Things I found to be interesting:

• Different types of businesses call for different character styles in their neon tubing
• Neon artists base the different colors of their finished product off of the color relationship between neon gas and the tubing. (Yellow + Blue = Green)
• Neon signs are being overtaken by LED signs

(More) Combatting Ad Blindness

Marketers have to be extra creative these days. From embedding illuminated messages in carpeting to utilizing signage that grabs your attention (and grabs you!), marketers are constantly putting new techniques in play to combat ad blindness.

I’m not sure how cost-effective this technique is but it does an incredible job of incorporating its surrounding environment to turn heads in a Stockholm subway.


(HT to Laughing Squid)

The passers-by seemed to like the sign more for it’s unique interactiveness than as an advertisement. But, that’s part of marketing sometimes, isn’t it?

All About Signs

I'm all about signs. Always have been. Neon tubing, back lit, theater marquees...you name it. In my opinion, a store sign is a lot like the artwork on the cover of a book: if done properly, it will be attractive enough to turn heads and eliminate any confusion about what the store offers.

I came across a recent post on Laughing Squid that featured the following video that compiled footage of hundreds of signs (store and others) that a fellow came across during a road trip.


I really liked this video. It reminded me of one of the first concepts I had for a wall poster.

Many thanks to Design Frenzy  for putting this together all those years ago.

Store signs are a key part of a brand - even in this digital age. Think about your favorite restaurant or department store and the feeling that comes over you when you see their sign. No e-newsletter or photo posted on social media can replicate that feeling. And that's why signs should always be around.