What Does the MSG Stand For? > MSG Sphere Las Vegas

As the world’s largest sphere and the latest spectacle on the Strip, the MSG Sphere Las Vegas is definitely a conversation starter. With its recent unveiling, some wonder what the MSG stands for in the attraction’s name MSG Sphere.

Costing a whopping $2.3 billion to build, the MSG Sphere is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that sits one block east on the Las Vegas Strip. Constructed from 2019 to 2023, the complex is 366 feet high and 516 feet wide. As an artistic digital masterpiece, the Las Vegas Sphere has established itself as a new global landmark.

Formerly known as MSG Sphere. Today, it’s called The Sphere at The Venetian Resort. So the question is, who is behind this futuristic engineering marvel and what does the MSG stand for?

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What Does the MSG Stand for in MSG Sphere?

The MSG stands for Madison Square Garden, owned and operated by the Sphere Entertainment Company. Naturally, an investment this big has a magnitude of firms and partners involved in the project but as the primary contractor, the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp (MSGE) initially stamped their name on the official name of the venue.

Who Owns the Madison Square Garden Corporation?

Founder of HBO and Cablevision, American billionaire Charles Francis Dolan, the founder of Cablevision and HBO, controls MSGE, amongst other things.

James L. Dolan, son of Charles, is the Exec. Chairman & CEO of MSGE. He lives on Long Island with his second wife, whom he married at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. He also contributed to Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign.

When Did the Sphere Light Up For the First Time?

On July 4, 2023, the Sphere was fully illuminated for the first time with a patriotic theme to celebrate Independence Day. However, its official debut is on September 29, when the doors finally open to the public for the first time, with the first in a 25-concert series hosted by U2.

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U2:UV Achtung Baby

Surpassing the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium, The Sphere is the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas. Therefore, it only makes sense that a world-renowned band is slotted for its very first residency.

Residency or Venue Launch?

Even though a residency is considered 10 shows or more at a single venue, U2 band member “The Edge” describes the engagement as more of a venue launch (and not a residency). Las Vegas residencies are known to carry a negative perception of being very corporate. Therefore, U2 made it clear that the band accepted the challenge more for the technological and creative innovation that the Sphere will bring.

U2 will feature music from its album Achtung Baby in a show called U2:UV, short for ultraviolet. With only 25 performances, the concert series is limited. Considering it has been four years since U2 played live, shows are selling out quickly.

For epic views of the Sphere, consider reserving a room at the Venetian with a view of the Sphere. Another option is to book at one of the cheaper hotels on the Strip.

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Future Sphere Locations

MSGE intended to build other Spheres globally with Stratford, East London next in line for construction. However, that plan was scrapped in January 2024.

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