Latest news with #TheVenetianResort


USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Sphere Las Vegas tips: 2025 shows, tickets, and more
Sphere Las Vegas looks out over Sin City – Photo courtesy of Sphere Entertainment For a city that's constantly reinventing itself, Las Vegas is never without a new attraction. From the Bellagio dancing fountains to a replica of the Eiffel Tower and incredible live shows and performances up and down the Strip, the place has a lock on entertainment. Sphere Las Vegas, one of the newest must-see sights and concert venues, encapsulates all that in one giant orb. Attached to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, everything about Sphere Las Vegas is mind-blowing. Touted as the world's largest spherical structure, the electrified ball measures 516 feet wide and 366 feet tall. Covered in a wraparound, high-resolution screen, the exterior transforms into everything from a massive yellow emoji to a giant jack-o'-lantern, basketball, or blinking eyeball, thanks to 1.2 million LEDs. It's incredible to see from various points around the Strip (though not really from the Strip; more on that later) or when you fly into Harry Reid International Airport. Inside Sphere Las Vegas is just as astonishing. It's like a Disneyland ride meets the greatest show on Earth — a spectacle for concerts like Dead & Company, or high-def films like "Postcard From Earth" and "V-U2: An Immersive Concert Film," based on U2's concerts there. Advertisement New for 2025: a Backstreet Boys residency; a live production, "The Wizard of Oz at Sphere"; the return of The Eagles; and the Insomniac x Tomorrowland: UNITY festival experience. If you're considering a visit — and you should — here's everything you need to know about the attraction, from getting Sphere Las Vegas tickets to where to find the best seats and other concert tips. It's definitely one of the trippiest Las Vegas experiences ever. Where is Sphere located? It's fun to see what Sphere Las Vegas turns into next from many vantage points – Photo courtesy of Sphere Entertainment Sphere Las Vegas is located behind The Venetian Resort, one long block off the Strip. You can access Sphere via a pedestrian bridge from The Venetian or by entering through Sands Avenue, Westchester Drive, or the Plaza Entry on the east side of the building. Advertisement There is a parking lot, but you'll need to purchase parking tickets through Ticketmaster. The lot also has designated ride-share areas. No matter how you get to it, plan on doing a lot of walking. Like everything in Las Vegas, it might look close on a map or even out your window. But once you start walking, it's exponentially farther than you thought. If you're staying at one of the resorts, ask hotel staff for the best way to get there. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. What's it like inside Sphere Las Vegas? These robots hold conversations with guests in Sphere's atrium – Photo courtesy of Sphere Entertainment Watching the screen morph and change outside Sphere is one thing; seeing a show inside is another. There are nine levels to Sphere, including a basement with a VIP lounge. In addition to the venue bowl, there's a very cool atrium with holographic art installations, interactive robots to chat with, and a 360-degree avatar capture for the ultimate Las Vegas keepsake. Escalators carry you up to different levels, so you get perfect bird's-eye views of all the action. Advertisement The main venue features four levels of seating, a general admission floor for concerts, and high-dollar suites for groups. It seats 17,500 people and holds even more with standing room on the floor. What makes this a concert or movie venue like no other is Sphere's fully immersive environment and the 16K resolution LED screen — reportedly the largest in the world — that wraps around and up to the audience. That equates to incredible backdrops and visuals for anything you see there. The sound is impeccable from every seat — like wearing headphones without wearing headphones. For some events, seats have movement sensations to really 'feel' the experience. You may also experience flashing lights, intense lighting, visual effects, and atmospheric simulations, such as fog, scent, and wind. If any of that's a problem, this might not be the experience for you. How much does it cost to go to Sphere Las Vegas? A view from "Postcards from Earth" inside Sphere Las Vegas – Photo courtesy of Sphere Entertainment You need tickets to enter the Sphere, and prices vary. The Sphere Experience, which offers 50 minutes of access to the atrium and a 60-minute immersive film, Darren Aronofsky's 'Postcard from Earth,' is the best way to experience what it's all about. Tickets start at $69 per person and go up to $249 for the 'Director's Seats,' a package that includes the best seats in the house (section 306), expedited entry, a pre-show drink and snacks, and a T-shirt. Concert tickets, like most these days, are set by the band and promoter, and they aren't cheap. Most concert tickets range from $100 to $500 or more. All Sphere tickets are available via Ticketmaster. You can also try resale sites like StubHub, VividSeats, and SeatGeek for the big concerts that sell out faster than you can say, 'Achtung Baby.' Advertisement What are the best seats inside Sphere Las Vegas? The best seats are in the middle of the venue, not too high up – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla Almost every seat is excellent at Sphere Las Vegas. However, some have obstructed views of the screen. To get the whole experience of the movie or band, along with the towering high-def screen, avoid specific seats in the very far right and far left sections of the 100 level. In these sections, there's an overhang that obstructs some seats. Starting from row 22 and above, you'll see the stage and a large portion of the screen in front of you, but the screen directly above, towards the roof, will be obstructed. The overhang completely obstructs rows 30 and higher; you'll see the stage and only a small sliver of the screen. Seats in the 200, 300, and 400 levels are the best, and even better if you stick with the middle sections that end in 5, 6, or 7 (for instance, section 206 or 306). I sat in 206 for Dead & Company, and it offered the best views of the screen in every direction. Plus, the seats weren't too high up. It gets pretty steep in the upper levels, so if you're prone to vertigo or uncomfortable walking along steep stairs, consider getting seats in the lower levels. Can you eat and drink in Sphere Las Vegas? Lots of food and drink options around the futuristic bars in Sphere – Photo courtesy of ICRAVE via Sphere Entertainment Like any other concert or sports venue, you can't bring in outside food or beverages to Sphere. Once inside, a variety of beverage options are available, including non-alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails. Prices range from $7 for bottled water to $20 for wine and $30 for specialty cocktails. Advertisement If you're on a budget, do a little pre-show gambling and get free drinks at The Venetian. Not interested in buying water? Bring a clear, soft-plastic empty bottle with you and fill it up at the water fountains inside Sphere. Food options at Sphere include typical concert fare, like chicken strips, burgers, pizza, and poke bowls. But this is Vegas — there are so many excellent restaurants to enjoy before or after the show. I had two exceptional meals before shows at The Venetian: Estiatorio Milos and Matteo's Ristorante Italiano are located right on the walkway from the resort to Sphere. Where can you find the best views of Sphere Las Vegas? Someone's always watching Sphere Las Vegas – Photo courtesy of Sphere Entertainment Because Sphere is east of the Strip, it's become almost a sport to find the best and most unique views of the orb. You get great views upon landing at the airport. If you're driving in, you can see it from 1-215. You'll also get a good view of Sphere Las Vegas from the Las Vegas Monorail and the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ. Anyone playing through at the Wynn Golf Club has prime spotting. The upper level of the Wynn's parking structure is said to be one of the best places to see it, too. You can even see it from the McDonald's drive-thru on Paradise Road. Advertisement If you're walking on the Strip, the towering resort buildings obstruct your view. However, if you're staying at The Venetian or The Palazzo, you can book rooms that have stunning views of Sphere. Just remember: Like Vegas itself, Sphere never turns off. Make sure to bring those sleep eye masks! When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission.


USA Today
11-05-2025
- USA Today
11 stunning places for a stress-free destination vow renewal
Advertisement Hotels and resorts around the world are making it easy to say 'I do again' with destination vow renewal packages. Thirty years after our wedding, my husband and I had a vow renewal ceremony in Hawaii. We were vacationing at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, which offers guests a free, all-inclusive renewal of wedding vows on the beach. As we exchanged flower lei, a ukulele player strummed and a hula dancer swayed. I couldn't believe how relaxed our destination vow renewal was compared to the stress of our long-ago wedding. This time around, all we had to do was show up. My destination vow renewal in Hawaii was unforgettable – Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi There are many reasons for a couple to renew vows. It could be a milestone anniversary. Perhaps your first wedding was fabulous and you want to recreate the magic. Or maybe it was underwhelming and you want to do something more meaningful. Whatever the motivation, a vow renewal can signal a fresh start after the twists and turns that are part of marriage. Here are 11 resorts offering destination vow renewal packages that'll have you saying "I do" all over again. Advertisement The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada A Las Vegas vow renewal is easy – Photo courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Tying the knot in Las Vegas is easy, so why not tighten the knot there? At The Venetian Resort, replicas of the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal look like you've landed in Venice, Italy, minus the jet lag. The Celebration Team at this glamorous property can help you plan a custom vow renewal, including a ceremony on a gondola complete with a serenade. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Carnival Cruise Line All aboard for a vow renewal at sea on a Carnival Cruise Line – Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line If you grew up watching 'The Love Boat,' you might recall that a ship's captain can marry you at sea, just as the show's Capt. Merrill Stubing did. On Carnival Cruise Line, the captain can officiate a vow renewal ceremony. Two levels of all-inclusive wedding vow renewal packages take care of all the details, with a two-tier wedding cake, a long-stemmed rose for the bride, a matching boutonniere for the groom, a sparkling wine toast, and so much more. Hotel Grand Galvez, Galveston, Texas Galveston is a popular spot for Texas vow renewal ceremonies – Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston Galveston Island is one of Texas' premier locations for wedding vow renewals. Spanish mission-style Hotel Grand Galvez is a top spot for lovers to reaffirm their relationship. The beachfront hotel was once popular for its annual June group vow renewal ceremony. These days, the hotel focuses solely on vow renewal celebrations for individual couples. A dedicated team works with couples to design a destination vow renewal ceremony that's unique to each couple. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Orlando, Florida A Disney wedding vow renewal feels like a fairy tale – Photo courtesy of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons If you dream of being a fairytale prince or princess, say 'I do again' at Disney's Grand Floridan Resort and Spa. Couples may renew their vows at Disney's Wedding Pavilion, where spires, vaulted ceilings, and a cupola add Victorian grandeur. The epic view of Cinderella Castle is icing on the (wedding vow renewal) cake. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Whaler's Inn, Mystic, Connecticut Tighten the knot in Mystic with a destination vow renewal – Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cardinal The The Whaler's Inn is a great catch for couples seeking low-key romance. Décor reflects the town's maritime character with just the right touch of nautical accents. The inn's all-inclusive vow renewal package does all the work for you, including a ceremony, fresh floral bouquet, sparkling wine, and a custom cake. Continue celebrating with a delectable chef's tasting at the inn's award-winning, farm-to-fork restaurant. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Hythe, Vail, Colorado A vow renewal ceremony in the Rocky Mountains is as epic as the view – Photo courtesy of Gabriela Mata Photography Love hits differently in the Rocky Mountains, where bluebird skies and tall peaks paint a majestic picture. The Hythe, Vail is a slice of alpine heaven for those who want to renew their nuptials al fresco. The hotel can curate unusual pre-and-post ceremony experiences, such as mushroom foraging or guided heli-skiing with an Olympic athlete. Certainly a wedding vow renewal ceremony for the books! Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, Massachusetts A seaside vow renewal ceremony on Cape Cod – Photo courtesy of Anna Greenlaw Photography Cape Cod is coastal New England at its finest. Breathtaking beaches set the stage for unforgettable vow renewals, especially in the quieter fall and spring seasons. Ocean Edge has long been a favorite with brides and grooms, some of whom return for a renewal of vows. Consider a vow renewal ceremony on the sand followed by a gourmet picnic. Or perhaps you'd prefer to say "I do again" in front of the fire in the Nickerson Mansion. The team can integrate wellness practices, such as floating sound baths and beach yoga, into your special day. Advertisement Joia Aruba by Iberostar, Eagle Beach, Aruba Plan a romantic vow renewal on Aruba's Eagle Beach – Photo courtesy of Demian Gibbs / Aruba Tourism Authority With Caribbean beaches fringed by divi divi trees and cosmopolitan capital Oranjestad, Aruba is an enticing destination for a vow renewal. What really got my attention is its annual summer Aruba I Do Vow Renewal Ceremony, a gathering of hundreds of married couples from around the globe confirming their love in a group renewal ceremony. If you're seeking something more intimate, Joia Aruba by Iberostar aims to help you celebrate your love all over again. This swanky hotel is directly across from Eagle Beach, rated one of the 10 best beaches in the Caribbean. The resort will tailor a vow renewal ceremony to represent your unique love story, freeing you to enjoy the sun and surf. Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico Nothing but dreamy vibes at an all-inclusive vow renewal in Mexico – Photo courtesy of Velas Resorts I've been to numerous all-inclusive resorts along Mexico's Riviera Maya; Grand Velas Riviera Maya stands out for its efforts to connect guests with the traditions of Mexico. Couples interested in a destination vow renewal can relax as a coordinator helps them weave ancient Mayan rituals into their ceremony, from drinking cacao to the musical accompaniment of Mayan trumpets. A seaside dinner for two makes for a romantic finale. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Villa Igiea, Palermo, Italy Villa Igiea offers a destination vow renewal you won't soon forget – Photo courtesy of Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel Want "The White Lotus" vibes at your vow renewal? Fans of the popular television show are flocking to Sicily, where Season 2 was filmed. I lived in Italy and am acquainted with the country's abundance of romantic spots. Sicily's sunbaked beauty is indisputable. Capital Palermo effortlessly blends elegance with vibrancy. Villa Igiea is the city's most amorous hotel, a belle epoque oasis meticulously restored to preserve its frescoes and regal ballroom. Striking architecture offers a dreamy backdrop for a wedding vow renewal ceremony. Enjoy views of the Gulf of Palermo or renew your commitment in the lush garden with the floral arches. All experiences are curated by the can-do staff. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Sandals Ochi, Ocho Rios, Jamaica Bliss out with an overwater vow renewal with views of the Caribbean – Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts Sandals offers a ReTie the Knot package for up to 10 guests. At Sandals Ochi, the overwater chapel provides a view of the crystal-clear water below. The all-inclusive vow renewal package includes planning services, a ceremony, a cocktail reception, and more. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Cast Set to Spill 'Unholy Tea' in Live Show After Season 2 Premiere
Will MomTok survive the new season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives? After the anticipated release of season 2 in May, the cast of Hulu's hit series will head to Las Vegas on June 7 for MomTok: The Unholy Tea, a live event at the Palazzo Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas at 10 p.m. Six members from MomTok — including Taylor Frankie Paul, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, and Layla Taylor — will spill all the juicy details from season 2 of Mormon Wives and host a roundtable-style discussion, interactive games and other surprises, per an official release about the event. 'We're beyond excited to bring MomTok directly to our fans at The Venetian Resort," the MomTok women said in a press release. "This show is our chance to connect, let loose and give audiences an unforgettable girls' night out in Vegas – a city that's become such an iconic part of our story!' Some of the Mormon Wives cast took to social media to share their excitement for the upcoming Vegas event. In her post on Instagram, Mikayla joked about a potential "Chippendales collab," referencing the iconic Las Vegas show that was at the center of conflict for Jen and her husband Zac in the first season. Related: Pregnant Jennifer Affleck Spotted Dancing on Stage at Chippendales After Last Appearance Nearly Ruined Her Marriage "We've been dying to share this for a while," Jessi wrote on her Instagram Story. "How did we get a live show @venitianvegas?! Still doesn't feel real." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. MomTok will return to Hulu for season 2 on May 15 after an explosive season 1 finale that left the group's future up in the air. All of the original cast members from last season, including Whitney Leavitt and Demi Engemann, will return for the new season, along with some fresh new faces. The season 2 teaser trailer — which premiered on March 10 — included a new MomTok member Miranda Hope, who is introduced as "the girl who was swinging with Taylor." The trailer also features some of the Mormon Wives' spouses and the rise of DadTok. Related: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2 Teaser Shows a New Member of MomTok — and Her Shocking Connection to the Cast Some of the questions and drama from last season will also be addressed, including Whitney's place within MomTok and where exactly Jen and Zac stand in their marriage after their uncertain future at the end of the first season. Tickets for MomTok: The Unholy Tea will be available online on Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m. P.T. at Ticketmaster and Read the original article on People


USA Today
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Bejeweled' Dita Von Teese makes whole place shimmer in Las Vegas residency
'Bejeweled' Dita Von Teese makes whole place shimmer in Las Vegas residency Show Caption Hide Caption Dita Von Teese talks Vegas residency, Taylor Swift music video cameo The "Queen of Burlesque" sat down in Voltaire for an interview with the USA TODAY Network. Dita Von Teese brings opulence to her second Las Vegas residency at the Venetian Resort. Her Voltaire show features elaborate costumes, including custom-made Swarovski-clad crystal outfits and Christian Louboutin heels. Von Teese appeared in Taylor Swift's "Bejeweled" music video. Dita Von Teese swirls in her larger-than-life champagne glass and the crowd leaps to its feet in joyous applause. She cups a strawberry sponge the size of a couch pillow and squeezes. Water cascades over her body. The iconic act is one of the many reasons fans are flocking to the Voltaire inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas to watch the vedette's second residency. "I first started performing that with my friend, Catherine D'Lish, who's my creative collaborator in everything I've done," Von Teese says. Dita Von Teese's rhinestone-drenched Las Vegas residency part of growing burlesque scene Bubbles hang from the ceiling. Magenta velvet chairs shaped like seashells are scattered throughout the space that fits 1,000. Von Teese wears a 1950s black dress with a red rose pattern to speak with the USA TODAY Network before one of her shows. Her hair is styled in an immaculate pageboy like an actress from the golden age of Hollywood. "It was originally a dueling glasses act where it was my best friend Catherine D'Lish in the champagne glass and me in the martini," she says. "And we had music that shifted back and forth between classic champagne style music and then the swinging hit martini." Best believe I'm still bejeweled The act caught the eye of superstar Taylor Swift, who featured Von Teese in her "Bejeweled" music video in 2022 following the release of her 10th studio album "Midnights." "[Swift's] assistant called and started talking to me about this project," Von Teese reflects, "and then Taylor suddenly got on. It was really an amazing conversation. She knew everything about what I'd done." The behind-the-scenes video of the "Bejeweled" set was played at each of the Eras Tour stops before Swift took the stage, bringing the art of burlesque to Swifties. " I kind of introduced her to my whole world," Von Teese says. "Like, here's the stockings I wear. Let's do the stocking peel. And she brought a lot of new fans that maybe had never heard of burlesque, or never heard of me before." 'Dita Las Vegas' Von Teese's 90-minute show has no dialogue. She let's her acts, dancers and body of work do the talking. Visitors must be over 18. Clothes come off in effortless movements, and tassels adorn the dancers' breasts. The burlesque show paints sexual confidence with an artistic brush. During the second act, Von Teese rides a pink velvet mechanical bull with 6-foot-long Swarovski crystallized horns while her dancers kick up their silver bedazzled boots. "It's really fun for me to step into the role and direct someone on how to make it their own," she explains of the vignettes performed by her cast members between costume changes. As Von Teese straps on a new corset and Christian Louboutin heels, her fleet of fast-tapping dancers entertain the audience. More: Taylor Swift threw her broken heel to a fan. He used it to help his cousin beat cancer. "Christian is a really close friend of mine," she says. The two met in the early 2000s while Von Teese was performing in London. "He was just here a couple weeks ago. He makes all the shoes for my shows." Nothing makes her feel sexier than strutting the catwalk in those red-painted soles. She says the latest Louboutin heels come with inside padding allowing for a sleek and sophisticated, but comfortable, walk. "I spent five hours on them the other day, and I was totally fine," she says. In her final number, Von Teese elegantly strides down stairs into a classic showgirl scene with vintage Bob Mackie headpieces and feather backpacks from the last showgirl revue on the strip, Jubilee. Louboutin loved the number but offered one note: "Christian told me, 'I think you need to wear the highest shoe with your finale.' ... He's like, 'I know it's dangerous. We can see that it's difficult and dangerous. I think you should up the ante,' And I was like, 'OK, I'm going to do that.'" Make the whole place shimmer The most jaw-dropping part of the show isn't necessarily the strip teases, but a Swarovski crystal dress and heels that glisten so intensely, it almost appears like an electronic animation is projected onto them. The cut of the jewels refracts every single light source. It's impossible to look away. "I just love fantasy and spectacle and glitz," Von Teese says, smiling. "The opulence and absurdity of all of it. I just love the idea of creating things that you won't see in real life, you know?" Tickets to see the "Queen of Burlesque" extend through October at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat. Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.