Mayor Says No to Las Vegas-Style Sphere in London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is saying no to a version of the MSG Sphere. On Monday, the mayor rejected plans to bring a version of the entertainment venue to Olympic Park over concerns of light pollution, the high electric cost, and the impact on nearby heritage sites.

“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” said a spokesperson for the mayor to The Standard. “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 London Sphere would’ve been a copy of the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas — 300 feet high and 360 feet wide — and covered in LED panels. The venue would’ve fit 21,500 people, while a smaller music venue/nightclub would hold up to 1,500.

Khan does not have the final say — the decision now goes on to the Communities Secretary Michael Gove for a ruling. However, a statement from Sphere Entertainment implied that they will now be moving on from London.

“While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities,” a Sphere Entertainment spokesperson said. “We will concentrate on those.” The company reportedly is already planning to bring a Sphere to Hanam, South Korea.

U2 opened the first-ever residency at the MSG Sphere back in September. “Whatever happens going forward, it’s hard to imagine a better proof of concept for Sphere than this U2 show,” reads a Rolling Stone review of the show. “It’s almost painful to imagine going back to a dumpy sports arena for a show after experiencing something like this.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is saying no to a version of the MSG Sphere. On Monday, the mayor rejected plans to bring a version of the entertainment venue to Olympic Park over concerns of light pollution, the high electric cost, and the impact on nearby heritage sites.

“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” said a spokesperson for the mayor to The Standard. “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 London Sphere would’ve been a copy of the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas — 300 feet high and 360 feet wide — and covered in LED panels. The venue would’ve fit 21,500 people, while a smaller music venue/nightclub would hold up to 1,500.

Khan does not have the final say — the decision now goes on to the Communities Secretary Michael Gove for a ruling. However, a statement from Sphere Entertainment implied that they will now be moving on from London.

“While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities,” a Sphere Entertainment spokesperson said. “We will concentrate on those.” The company reportedly is already planning to bring a Sphere to Hanam, South Korea.

U2 opened the first-ever residency at the MSG Sphere back in September. “Whatever happens going forward, it’s hard to imagine a better proof of concept for Sphere than this U2 show,” reads a Rolling Stone review of the show. “It’s almost painful to imagine going back to a dumpy sports arena for a show after experiencing something like this.”