F1 | A second Sphere coming soon to Abu Dhabi, following Las Vegas?

The imposing sphere in Las Vegas, inaugurated at the end of September and showcased during the recent F1 Grand Prix in November, is set to make its appearance in Abu Dhabi as well. According to the New York Post, James Dolan, the executive chairman of MGM Sports and CEO of Sphere Entertainment Company, is in advanced negotiations to build a second sphere in the lavish capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The proposal for a second sphere in Abu Dhabi marks the fourth in line, following stalled negotiations with Saudi Arabia and South Korea, and after the categorical refusal from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who described the sphere as “bulky, excessively dominant, and incongruous.”

“The entire five-year planning process has been derailed by the mayor and his last-minute false report,” a Sphere spokesperson declared to the Daily Mail.

However, the project seems particularly suited for a city like Abu Dhabi, known for some of the most ambitious constructions ever, including the Burj Khalifa, still the world’s tallest skyscraper at 828 meters, and the opulent Burj Al Arab Hotel. Additionally, there is the massive Etihad Arena, completed in 2021, capable of hosting 18,000 spectators.

Despite an operating loss of $98 million in the penultimate quarter, Dolan’s aim is to expand the sphere concept globally. Two significant events, U2’s UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere and Darren Aronofsky’s film ‘Postcards From Earth,’ both staged inside the Sphere, generated revenues of $75 million.

“We are in discussions with several international markets about building more spheres,” announced Sphere Entertainment Company in a recent public statement.

James Dolan’s company is also reportedly disputing $224.8 million in capital expenses related to the Sphere’s construction. However, according to the New York Post, “the company does not plan to pay” a significant portion of this amount.

Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!

According to a source, most of the money is attributed to the former general contractor AECOM-Hunt and MJ Dean Construction, which filed a lawsuit against Dolan last year. The trial is set to begin in February, although no further information has been disclosed.

Currently, it is not yet known whether the second sphere will be located near the Yas Marina Circuit or in a different area of the Abu Dhabi metropolis.