Wembley Stadium is a large, multi-purpose stadium with a rich history and focus on sustainability, offering a traditional stadium experience with modern amenities. Sphere (Las Vegas) is a technologically advanced entertainment venue designed to provide a highly immersive and unique experience, prioritizing audio-visual innovation and a more intimate setting.
| Attribute | Wembley Stadium | Sphere (Las Vegas) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 90,000 (largest in the UK, second-largest in Europe); 75,000-90,000 seated and 25,000 standing for concerts | 17,600 (up to 20,000 with standing room) |
| Acoustics and Sound Quality | Modern sound system with rotatable loudspeakers | Massive audio system with 1,586 permanent loudspeaker modules, 300 mobile speakers, and 167,000 speaker drivers. Beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies for clear 3D audio. Acoustically transparent screen. |
| Architectural Design and Innovation | Giant arch (133 meters high, tilted 22 degrees), movable roof, designed by Foster + Partners and HOK Sports Venue Event (now Populous) | Largest spherical structure in the world, designed by Populous. 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide. Exterior features a 580,000-square-foot LED display. Interior includes a 160,000-square-foot, 16K-resolution wraparound LED screen. |
| Location and Accessibility | Wembley, London; accessible via Jubilee and Metropolitan lines (Wembley Park), Bakerloo line, London Overground, and National Rail (Wembley Central and Wembley Stadium) | Located east of the Las Vegas Strip, near the Venetian Resort. Address: 255 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169. Accessible via a footbridge connecting it to the Venetian Expo. Accessible via the Las Vegas Monorail, with the closest stop at the Venetian/Palazzo. |
| Event Hosting Capabilities (Sports, Concerts, etc.) | Football, rugby, American football, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, award ceremonies | Hosts original immersive experiences, concerts, sports events, and corporate events. Opened with a U2 residency. Other artists include Phish, Dead & Company, and the Eagles. |
| Technological Features (Screens, Lighting) | Two giant screens (equivalent to 600 TV sets), dedicated pitch-exclusive 5G mobile network, state-of-the-art LED lighting, Wi-Fi | 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen. Exterior has 1.2 million LED pucks. Incorporates 4D physical effects, haptic seats, and wind, temperature, and scent effects. |
| VIP and Hospitality Services | Over 160 corporate boxes with pitch views, VIP early fast-track entry, cushioned VIP balcony seating, food and beverage options, car parking (on request), private bar service, Bobby Moore Club, Taphouse Social | Executive suites available. Director's seats provide expedited entry, a private reception, and exclusive merchandise. |
| Food and Beverage Options | TapHouse Social, Camden Town Brewery Bars, M&S Food stores, draught bars, bottle bars, hot dogs, sausages, chicken and chips, burgers; entirely cashless | Specialty cocktails, wine, beer, pizza, burgers, and hot dogs. Concession stands and grab-and-go options with self-checkout stations. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options are available at select locations. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | 100% renewable energy, upgrading to LED lighting, organic fertilizer, water bottle refill stations, zero-waste-to-landfill policy since 2010 | Uses LED lighting, which consumes less energy than traditional lighting. The display has high-efficiency power supplies and drivers to optimize power usage. |
| History and Cultural Significance | Original stadium built in 1923, new stadium opened in 2007; hosted 1948 Summer Olympics, 1966 World Cup Final, Live Aid in 1985 | Announced in 2018. Construction began in September 2018 and concluded in 2023. Opened on September 29, 2023. Cost $2.3 billion. |
| Overall Fan Experience | Memorable experience with modern facilities, diverse event options, excellent transport connections | Aims to provide an immersive and unforgettable experience with its advanced technology and unique design. |
| Parking and Transportation Options | Wembley Park, Wembley Central, and Wembley Stadium stations; official car parks (book early), bicycle parking on the north-east side | On-site parking available for purchase. Parking also available at the Howard Hughes and other local garages. Rideshare pick-up and drop-off at the corner of Manhattan St and Westchester Dr. Public transportation, including the Las Vegas Monorail, is an option. |