Pollstar (09/25/23) Lind, J.R.

U2 is continuing its push to be at the forefront of live music innovation as the debut show for MSG's Sphere venue in Las Vegas, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band's seminal album Achtung Baby.  Long-time promoter Arthur Fogel, Live Nation’s president of global touring and chairman of concerts, says Sphere is "a new unique building with cutting-edge technology — audio and visual — and the band embraced that challenge and opportunity." U2's habit of reinventing themselves is part of their sustained appeal, which makes Sphere an ideal venue. The arena has a 17,600-seat capacity and a 20,000-person standing capacity, in addition to 23 suites. Ticket prices for U2's Sept. 29 Sphere premiere range from $140.13 to $501.34, with the average price around $390. Conservative gross estimates are projected to be $7.8 million, not accounting for suites, premium packages and dynamic pricing. Sphere's acoustics are engineered with wave-field synthesis and beamforming technology from German company Holoplot, which is expected to help usher in a new era in sound design. U2's performance and use of Sphere's capabilities will undoubtedly guide future acts.

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