U2 and The Sphere (Notes for others, not a review)

Question

While I thoroughly enjoyed the show Saturday night, wanted to pass along a few notes for future visitors.

First and foremost, please remember to tip across the city. Bellhops, drivers, cleaning staff, wait staff, etc.

Around 2 hours 15 minutes of show time once they take the stage.

Getting in took about 15 minutes from the Venetian Box Office on Restaurant Row through the detectors at 6:45 (doors opened at 6 for most)

We were in section 407 and it took a good 30 minutes to get from our seats to back out to the Venetian Box Office afterward. 18,000 people will have that impact.

There are merchandise booths and drink stations on every floor.

Single shot cocktails were $15. Bottle of water was $7.

If you have a fear of heights, be warned that the escalators and steps inside are steep; certainly were in the 400-section.

Quite dark in the halls; don’t know if that is always or just part of the ambience/motif for these shows.

There is free wifi, but I couldn’t get on it or use cellular. One friend had a signal, but I got zilch until several minutes back out of the Sphere.

Be happy to try and answer any questions.

Answer

Attending a U2 show at The Sphere in Las Vegas is a unique experience, but there are several practical details worth knowing to make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

Timing and Entry:

Doors typically open about an hour before showtime; arriving early helps avoid lines.
Security and entry from nearby access points, such as the Venetian Box Office, can take 10–20 minutes depending on crowd size.
Expect some congestion exiting after the show, especially from higher sections like 400-level seats, which may take 20–30 minutes to reach the main exit.

Show Length and Experience:

The performance itself runs roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes once the band takes the stage.
Merchandise booths and drink stations are available on every floor, which is convenient but can have lines during intermissions or post-show.
Single shot cocktails are around $15; bottled water is $7.

Accessibility and Navigation:

Be aware that the escalators and staircases inside the Sphere, particularly in the upper sections, are steep. If you have a fear of heights, plan accordingly.
The hallways can be quite dark, likely for ambience or show motif, so bring caution when moving around.
Free Wi-Fi is available, but connectivity may be spotty inside the venue; cellular signals can also be unreliable until you are outside the building.

Tipping and General Advice:

Tip generously across the city: bellhops, drivers, cleaning staff, and wait staff.
Plan your arrival and exit times with buffer periods due to the large crowd (18,000+ people) and slow movement through staircases and escalators.

Overall, planning ahead for timing, drinks, merchandise, and navigation will make your experience at The Sphere much more enjoyable and less stressful. Keep in mind that while it is visually and acoustically impressive, logistical considerations are important for a smooth visit.