LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — You simply noticed “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere, and you liked it. How lengthy will you need to watch for the following showstopper?
Locals won’t like the reply, however the fixed churn of 40 million vacationers coming to Las Vegas may imply that Sphere can be packing in “Oz” crowds for a really very long time. Government Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan is even speaking a few 2.0 model that may create much more demand for the present.
“We might just take you for a ride on a witch’s broom during the show,” Dolan hinted throughout Sphere Leisure Co.’s third-quarter earnings name. The two.0 model would debut on Aug. 28, 2026, a 12 months after the present opened at Sphere.
“The Wizard of Oz” has been wildly profitable, opening on Aug. 28 and reaching 1 million in ticket gross sales in mid-October. It is anticipated to hit 1.2 million this week.
However what in case you’re not into ruby slippers and flying monkeys? Sphere introduced on April 4 that it is engaged on “From the Edge,” an immersive expertise that includes “Free Solo” rock climber Alex Honnold, however that mission will not be prepared for practically a 12 months. Even then, there is no set-in-stone plan to kick “Oz” to the curb.
Dolan stated Tuesday he intends to run “Oz” till demand falls off, which might be lots longer than a 12 months.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Sphere in Las Vegas takes in $2M per day, report says
“I always tell my team, Cirque du Soleil’s ‘O’ has been running for 30 years in Las Vegas. And it’s basically the same show. So what’s the lifespan of Wizard of Oz? It wouldn’t surprise me if we were showing Wizard of Oz 10 years from now,” Dolan stated.
Sphere is making an attempt to steadiness heavy demand for reside concert events in opposition to the extremely worthwhile method of displaying content material that is already paid for — “The Wizard of Oz,” “Postcard from Earth,” “V-U2” (the live performance movie based mostly on U2’s residency) and finally, “From the Edge.”
Performers are lining up for the chance to attempt their hand at elevating the bar for reside performances, and No Doubt is the most recent band to get on board with a public announcement.
A New York Put up report in August stated Sphere is at the moment booked till Sept. 27, 2026.
Dolan envisions a day in Sphere’s future when there can be two to 3 afternoon showings of “The Wizard of Oz” and “From the Edge,” capped by a nighttime reside live performance. A number of occasions in someday has lengthy been the objective as Sphere executives seek for enhancements to a enterprise mannequin that did not exist earlier than the $2.3 billion venue was constructed simply off the Las Vegas Strip.
Questions from traders are the ever-present reminder that Dolan is operating a enterprise, and shareholders need to see earnings. Within the third quarter, “Oz” delivered as income shot up 37% for the corporate’s Sphere section. The corporate posted $174.1 million in income, and adjusted working revenue went into the black at $17.1 million, a giant enchancment on the third quarter of 2024, when it was a destructive $26.3 million.
Development on a brand new Sphere in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, ought to start quickly, and Dolan says the corporate is getting a number of inquiries from across the U.S. and everywhere in the world. “I think Wizard of Oz opened up the floodgates,” he stated.
A part of the corporate’s long-range technique to change into extra worthwhile as extra Spheres are constructed. Abu Dhabi vacationers will seemingly take pleasure in the identical issues which have already been produced for Las Vegas. Plans for Spheres of three completely different sizes — seating for 3,000, 6,000, or 18,000 — are within the works, though no bulletins have been made.
Extra income streams for Sphere Leisure would possibly develop out of its partnership with Google on AI. “Oz” used AI to help in manufacturing of the expertise, “and we got pretty good at it,” Dolan stated. That experience might be helpful in growing content material for different platforms, he stated.
Improvements that had been developed for 4D results and for audio programs may even have vast utility.
Dolan cited Radio Metropolis Music Corridor, the place a full orchestra take a look at was simply carried out utilizing a few of that audio know-how.
“Don’t underestimate what a great sound experience will mean for a venue,” he stated. Dolan talked in regards to the muddled sound that audiences must tolerate in stadium environments, and he stated there’s potential to monetize the work that has been performed for Sphere, perhaps all the best way to dwelling merchandise.
