How F1 will use Las Vegas Sphere as U2 pause residency

Irish rock band U2 has put its residency at the newly-opened venue on hold for over three weeks due to the ongoing race.

The Sphere, costing $2.3 billion to construct, has hosted several successful U2 concerts, with high definition video screens covering its inner and outer surfaces.

Due to the race, the band has scheduled its final show of the initial run on November 4 and plans to return on December 1. Their upcoming dates extend into February. The venue management will be compensated for the track’s right of way, as Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei explained. He highlighted the revenue opportunity for leasing time on the Sphere and the advertising to defray costs during the race weekend, including a recovery brunch and race highlight screenings. F1 hopes for a long-term relationship with the Sphere and expanded programming in future years. Lead singer Bono humorously introduced the band members as F1 drivers before taking a break from performances for the race.

F1 hopes to utilize the Sphere more extensively in coming years. Following an unexpected turn of events, Bono entertained the audience before the band’s hiatus for the race. Speaking from the stage, he humorously described the nature of F1 as a sport comparable to rock ‘n’ roll. He added a comical introduction of the band members as F1 drivers and closed his commentary with an amusing remark about mediating peace between F1 and NASCAR.