The Las Vegas Sphere is a venue unlike any other, with its cutting-edge visuals, immersive sound, and jaw-dropping scale. To fully enjoy the spectacle, a little planning goes a long way. From choosing the right seat to navigating post-show transportation, these 10 tips will help you make the most of your Sphere experience.
1. Don’t wear a hat.
If you want to get the most out of a Sphere show, avoid wearing a baseball cap or any hat that will obstruct your view of the visuals. This might seem trivial, but it actually makes a huge difference. Baseball hats were basically designed to block out what’s above you (typically the sun), but at a Sphere show, you want to be able to take in all your surroundings. If you’re going to block part of your view, you might as well get an obstructed view seat.
2. Choose your seat wisely.
Speaking of obstructed view seats, the seating options at Sphere vary widely. If you’re down on the floor or even in the 100 level, you have to crane your neck more to see the full screen, and the view from some seats is blocked by an overhang, but you will have a clear view of the stage. If you’re in the mid-tier, you may be able to see most of the screen at once, but this could make the venue feel slightly less immersive or less grand in scale. The upper seats have a good view of the screen, but obviously are farther away from the stage, and beware, the grade is steep—many with a fear of heights find it nerve-racking to navigate.
3. Arrive early to appreciate the venue.
The Sphere’s exosphere and atrium are almost as impressive as the performance space itself, so rather than rushing to your seat at showtime, be sure to arrive early and leave time to walk around a bit. If you’re there for a two-set show, make the most out of set break by exploring the venue and saying hi to Aura the AI-powered robot and Sphere spokesbot.
4. Walk or wait before calling post-show transportation.
Like a lot of concerts, leaving Sphere shows can be a little chaotic, and hailing a ride immediately after can be a pain. If you can, it helps to walk from the venue to another location and wait to call a ride there. This is the perfect time to check out the nearby casinos. Who knows, maybe you could win enough to pay for an Uber.
5. Check for special experiences and events, and leave time for Vegas adventures.
From pre-show gatherings like Shakedown Vegas to late-night afterparties, there are a lot of entertainment options surrounding Sphere residencies. These extracurricular activities not only add to the festivities, they also are great opportunities to connect with other fans. Of course, Las Vegas also has an endless amount of entertainment offerings, and the city itself is a spectacle. If you have time, plan to explore a bit so you don’t feel like you missed out on getting the full Vegas experience.
Related: Dead & Company 2024 Sphere Recap: Stats, Highlights, & Audio From Every Show
6. Dress appropriately.
Between being in Vegas and going out to see a band or artist you love, there are plenty of reasons to get dressed up, but make sure you also think practically when picking your outfit. The venue is cool and comfortable even when it’s 100+ degrees outside, so don’t dress for the beach, and if you’re the kind of person who gets cold, bring something to keep you warm. It also helps to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely have to walk quite a bit, whether it’s getting to the show, leaving, or just navigating the venue.
7. Check the bag policy.
Like many venues, Sphere has a strict bag policy that allows only “small clutches, purses, and fanny packs that are no larger than approximately 6 in. x 6 in. x 2 in., as well as diaper bags and bags required for medical items.” If necessary, it is easy to check a bag, water bottle, merch, or other items on the way in.
8. Sit down to experience the in-seat haptics.
Say what you will about sitting at concerts, but at Sphere shows, you might miss out if you stand the whole time. That’s because the seats have haptic technology that produces a rumbling effect, adding to the immersive nature of the venue. Not all shows utilize the haptic seats, but for the ones that do, it’s a part of the experience you won’t want to miss.
9. Wear earplugs?
We would be remiss if we didn’t include this tip. You should absolutely wear hearing protection at concerts. However, one of the best parts about Sphere shows is the highly advanced beam-forming audio, which projects clearly without cranking up the volume. Sphere shows are usually less loud than other venues and much safer for your eardrums, but you should still always use protection.
10. Be mindful of motion sensitivity.
Last but not least, be aware that Sphere visuals can be overwhelming, especially for those prone to motion sickness. If that’s a concern, consider sitting farther back or bringing motion sickness bands, and don’t hesitate to step out to the atrium and take a break. You can still hear the music out there while you get grounded.
A night at the Las Vegas Sphere is an unforgettable experience, but a little preparation can make it even better. Whether it’s arriving early to soak in the venue, planning your exit strategy, or dressing comfortably for the journey, these simple tips will help you enjoy the show to the fullest. Most importantly, stay safe, stay hydrated, and have fun!
Find tickets to Sphere concerts here.