Las Vegas Sphere has taken the entertainment industry by storm with its innovative technology and amazing concerts since its launch in September. James Dolan, CEO of the venue's holding company, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, is now in “serious talks” about opening a second location in Abu Dhabi, according to the New York Post.
Despite Vegas Sphere's growing budget, Dolan is offering potential investors an expansion with plans to license the site and build a double in the United Arab Emirates. He is reportedly currently facing a $225 million bill due to a dispute over construction costs, which culminated in alawsuit.
Some of the Las Vegas Sphere's higher construction costs are also tied to delays caused by the impact of the pandemic. In total, superstructure costs soared to $2.3 billion, over budget by $1.1 billion.
Plans to open a second Sphere location in London were previously scuttled by the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, who rejected MSGE's proposal, saying it would have caused “unacceptable harm to hundreds of residents.” However, Dolan's decision to pitch the Sphere development in Abu Dhabi could ultimately prove to be a perfect match.
The Abu Dhabi metropolis is known for its lavish architecture and nightlife, catering to wealthy individuals for concerts, sporting events, dining, and more. Additionally, the cost of opening a second location could be lower considering that the engineering and technology plan for its 1.2 million hockey puck-shaped LED displays has already been developed.
“We are in substantial discussions with multiple international markets,” a Sphere representative said without explicitly naming Abu Dhabi.
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