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London apparently has no interest in becoming the Las Vegas of Great Britain, as its mayor Sadiq Khan has shot down a proposal to build its own version of The Sphere.
According to Khan, who refused the proposal on Monday, the construction of a Sphere in London would “result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents” due to its bright lights.
Khan, who has served as the mayor of London since 2016, released the following statement explaining the decision via a spokesperson:
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city. But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
The Sphere, which is a 366-foot-tall entertainment venue that doubles as a massive, 360-degree electronic billboard, opened in Las Vegas back in September. Thus far, companies such as Marvel Studios, Google, and the NBA have advertised on the Sphere.
Inside, the Sphere is a concert venue and a movie theater as it hosted a performance by U2 while also screening Darren Aronofsky’s film Postcard from Earth.
The 18,600-seat auditorium is owned and operated by James Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Company, the same holding company that owns the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The Madison Square Garden Company also made the proposal for the rejected London Sphere.
Despite the massive virality that the Sphere has generated in its first few months of operation, the company reported losing nearly $100 million in its fiscal 2024 first quarter result.
In the coming months and years, the Sphere will expand its operations. For example, the UFC plans to host an event there in September 2024.