Sphere Entertainment, after spending approximately $2.3 billion on the Las Vegas Sphere, aims to create smaller, 5,000-capacity 'mini-Spheres'. This downsizing is intended to reduce construction and operational costs, making the concept more accessible to various locations.
The mini-Spheres are envisioned to attract a broader range of artists, as the production costs for the massive LED screen in the original Sphere are substantial. This scale reduction potentially opens opportunities for artists with smaller budgets.
Smaller venues also require less land and parking, further lowering costs. The company hopes to utilize the mini-Spheres for both live performances and screenings of immersive concert films, such as the U2 film created from their Sphere residency.
While specific locations and timelines remain undisclosed, the announcement follows Sphere Entertainment's plans to build a full-sized Sphere in Abu Dhabi. The smaller venues may present a more viable expansion strategy compared to building multiple large-scale venues.