Las Vegas has unveiled a massive spherical venue that cost $2.3 billion to build. The Sphere debuted in 2023 with a U2 performance and now draws big spenders to watch a 1939 movie in a state-of-the-art environment. It may be on track to become one of the world’s most profitable entertainment arenas.
Why people are dropping big bucks to see a movie from 1939

Key Takeaways:
- Sphere Entertainment invested an estimated $2.3B in its Las Vegas venue
- The structure stands 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide
- U2’s 2023 concert launched the architectural showpiece
- Wolfe Research calls it possibly the “most profitable venue”
- A 1939 film is drawing high-ticket crowds to this innovative space
A Record-Breaking Structure
Sphere Entertainment’s new venue in Las Vegas is turning heads for both its size and its price tag. At an estimated $2.3 billion, the cost alone places it among the world’s most ambitious entertainment projects. Standing at 366 feet tall and stretching 516 feet wide, it has been deemed the world’s biggest spherical structure, blending sophisticated design with a futuristic appeal.
The Big Launch
When the Sphere opened in 2023, it was none other than legendary rock band U2 that took the stage. The launch concert immediately attracted global attention, not only spotlighting the venue’s superior sound and visual technology but also reinforcing Las Vegas’s reputation for iconic entertainment. Critics and industry watchers quickly noted that this was more than just a music hall; it was a new frontier in immersive live experiences.
Classic Film, Modern Tech
One of the most surprising draws for visitors is a screening of a classic 1939 film. The idea of combining modern, state-of-the-art technology with older cinematic content might seem unexpected, yet it has proven popular. Attendees are “dropping big bucks” to see nostalgia brought to life on the Sphere’s massive interior screen, suggesting the enduring appeal of timeless stories—especially when paired with cutting-edge visual immersion.
Potential for Profitability
Beyond the hype, financial analysts have taken note. Wolfe Research has described this spherical entertainment complex as possibly the “most profitable venue” in the industry. The towering structure’s capacity to host not only concerts but also large-scale cinematic events positions it as a flexible, high-revenue space. While it remains to be seen how sustained this profitability will be, its promising launch hints at a transformative approach to live entertainment.
Where It Goes From Here
With the world’s eyes on Las Vegas, the Sphere’s next moves could redefine global entertainment. Whether it’s through more big-name concerts, exclusive film screenings, or groundbreaking multimedia shows, the venue’s massive scale and technological features offer near-limitless possibilities. For now, audiences remain enchanted by a 1939 classic brought back to life in 21st-century style—proving that sometimes the best way forward is to look back, but do so in a bigger and bolder way.