According to sources, billionaire owner of the Sphere, James Dolan, is in serious discussions about creating a new MSG Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi. This news comes on the back of a $98.4 million loss suffered by the Las Vegas Sphere. Dolan is believed to have tried to market the idea of additional venues in South Korea and Saudi Arabia previously. However, these proposals are currently “stalled”.
Despite what many may consider to be a terrible blow to the company, Dolan’s Las Vegas Sphere continues to fight to recoup the money it lost. The 20,000 capacity venue has gone as far as disputing $224.8 million of capital expenditure accruals from the construction of the sphere. Doland believes that a significant portion of the total amount is in dispute, and therefore, the company will not need to pay the full $224.8 million.
Plans for the London version of the MSG Sphere has recently been put aside by London Mayor, Sadiq Kahn. The London version had been planned to feature 1,000,000 LED lights and bright advertisements on its exterior like its Las Vegas cousin. Khan put the London plans on hold in November, and UK cabinet Minister, Michael Gove, ordered a six-week pause to consider calling back the mayor’s decision.
Dolan’s Sphere Entertainment claims that the entire five-year period of planning was hijacked by the Mayor and the bogus last-minute report he issued. Dolan’s Sphere Entertainment is planning to build a new venue in Abu Dhabi
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