As Formula 1 descends upon Las Vegas this weekend, the ‘Sphere’ at The Venetian is going to play a huge role in the takeover. Not only will the Sphere sit inside the track near Turns 5, 6 and 7 — it will be used heavily during the pre-race buildup and national anthem.
The Sphere’s 580,000-square foot exosphere is coated with a 16K LED display. Nearly 1.2 million LED pucks make up the display, and they are spaced eight inches apart. Each puck contains 38 LED diodes. Each diode can display 256 million colors.
From Thursday through Sunday, the Sphere will be entirely focused on F1. Liberty Media made a deal with the venue’s management for a total week-long takeover because the track runs around the venue and will force it to stay closed.
To recoup some of that cost, the Sphere is going to be exclusive to Formula 1 racing and its partners.
This year we have a relationship where we’ve leased effectively the Sphere, both internally and externally.The race will be around the Sphere. So we’re utilizing their property.
We will own all the advertising on the Sphere for the duration of the race for a fixed fee. We have bundled that into some [sponsorship] deals, and also sold advertising directly to parties during the race, which will defray part of our costs.
It was a necessary cost for us, because we need to be on their land. But in addition, it was it’s a revenue opportunity for us to lease as I said, or sublease, the time on the Sphere.
In addition, we’re going to have a recovery brunch, and you will need to recover, on Sunday morning, in the Sphere. And we will be showing highlights of the race internally.
— Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, via motorsport.com
F1 is taking over the Sphere in Las Vegas!
A digital rendering of the event’s setup shows how the Sphere will serve as a eye-popping backdrop.
As preparations come together, the Sphere is perched beyond the grandstand.
As cool of a backdrop as it will be, the visuals will be toned down during on-track sessions. Since the course runs right by the Sphere, F1 will have to ensure that its drivers do not get distracted or mistake the exosphere for a yellow or red flag.
When in use, though, F1 plans to go all-out with some crazy images on the Sphere. There will be sponsored content, yes, but the focus will be on using the world’s most viral entertainment venue to add to the experience for race goers — and maybe get someone who isn’t interested in the race to find some intrigue!
In the meantime, U2 will pause its residency. Bono hilariously addressed the F1 takeover on Sunday.
As I mentioned we’re taking a little break after tonight. We’re giving Las Vegas back to F1.
If you don’t know what F1 is, it’s a sport where very tidy, lean, mean men and some extraordinary women climb onto rockets and try to stay on earth and not achieve orbit, something like that. A little like rock ‘n’ roll, actually! Less dangerous.
— Bono
The lead singer also introduced his band as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Daniel Riccardo. It was the perfect way to tease the takeover.
Stay locked to BroBible for updates on all things ‘Sphere’ as F1 pulls into Sin City for the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend!