At a Glance
- The Sphere in Las Vegas is showing The Wizard of Oz on a 160,000-sq-ft spherical screen.
- Ticket sales reached nearly $200 million by December.
- James Dolan says the show will run forever and plans to expand.
- Why it matters: The venue’s success shows a new model for theatrical experiences amid streaming growth.
In Las Vegas, the Sphere entertainment venue turned the classic film The Wizard of Oz into a giant, immersive experience that drew crowds and nearly $200 million in ticket sales by December. The success has prompted the CEO to promise the show will run forever and expand to new locations. This move highlights how theaters are reinventing themselves to compete with at-home viewing.
Immersive Experience
The Sphere’s 160,000-sq-ft screen lets audiences see the film in a fully immersive way. Ticket prices ranged from $100 to $400. Michelle Madrigal, a California-based content creator, said the experience felt like being transported to Oz.
- $100-$400 ticket range
- James Dolan and David Zaslav cameo in the show
- Nearly $100 million spent to adapt the film
Future Plans
James Dolan, CEO and executive chairman, licensed the rights from Warner Bros. Discovery and spent nearly $100 million to adapt the film. He said on an earnings call:
James Dolan stated:
> “Ultimately, we’ll run ‘The Wizard of Oz’ forever. It’s hard for me to imagine a better product than ‘Wizard of Oz.'”
He plans to open a Sphere in Abu Dhabi and smaller versions elsewhere. A Wolfe Research analyst said the venue may be the world’s most profitable venue.
Key Takeaways
- The Sphere’s immersive format has driven record ticket sales.
- The CEO is committed to running the show indefinitely and expanding globally.
- The venue’s model could reshape how theaters compete with streaming.
The Sphere’s success demonstrates that large-scale, immersive experiences can still attract audiences in an era of at-home viewing.
