Q&A: The Sphere and Zoo Station

Original Story by Aaron J Sams (2023-09-01)

Information about the U2 performances at the Sphere has started to be sent out. We thought it was time to put together our usual questions and answers, to answer any questions we can about these shows. We’ll be updating right up to show time, so check back as we get closer to the shows as well.

Last updated: September 20, 2023

Questions included below:

Ticketing:

GA was sold out why are there more available now?
When will Ticketmaster open resale?
Where are my Vibee seats?
Will I have my phone?

The Show Itself

What time is doors?
What time does the show start?
Is there an opening act?
What is U2:UV?

Sphere Policies

Can I come and go from the Sphere?
What form of payment is accepted at the Sphere?
Are bags allowed at the Sphere?
What items are prohibited at the Sphere?

Zoo Station

What is Zoo Station?
How much is admission to Zoo Station?
When does Zoo Station open?
What are the hours for the Zoo Station?
How do I enter Zoo Station?
Is the Zoo Station exhibit wheel chair accessible?
What payment is accepted at Zoo Station?
What is Zoo TV Cinema?
I thought the films were free with VIP?
Will all the films be the same?
Can I bring in food and drink?
Is there also a shop?
Is the shop open at all times?
What else is part of the exhibit?
Where do I go for more information?

Ticketing

GA was sold out why are there more available now?

Yesterday a number of tickets became available for sale in the General Admission area. Mostly tickets on Wednesdays were available at first, although later they added some Friday and Saturday shows. Until the stage was built and installed for these shows, a final determination on numbers allowed on the floor could not have been made. With U2 starting rehearsals at the Sphere next week, the stage is now in place, the total number of people allowed on the floor is known, and the final tickets were released to the public.

When will Ticketmaster open resale?

We get this question several times a week, and our answer continues to be the same. Resale for General Admission tickets is open and has been open for several weeks. This was the only resale that was promised by Ticketmaster for these shows, due to the nature of GA tickets being blocked from transfer. At this point with four weeks to go to the first show, we doubt that a resale through Ticketmaster will be possible for the seated tickets. You can sell the tickets through other means, and transfer them through Ticketmaster without any issue.

Where are my Vibee seats?

Vibee has started to communicate seat locations, and ticket information. They have only done so for the first six shows at this point, up to October 11. So if you are holding tickets for later shows, keep an eye on your email. They are communicating the show information in the order of the shows. Please see the questions we recently asked Vibee in regards to their packages here.

The Show Itself

What time is doors?

The doors for the Sphere will open at 6:30pm on show day. There will be no access to the venue prior to that time. The area around the Sphere may be undergoing some construction for the upcoming F1 races in November, so there may not be much to do in the area prior to that time.

What time does the show start?

The show start is being communicated as 8:00pm in information by Vibee.

Is there an opening act?

We expect that there will be entertainment prior to the U2 show itself, but not another band. Nothing has been announced at this point, but we should have more information soon.

Will I have my phone?

We expect you will have access to your phone at these shows. The venue wants to show off this experience to the world, and one way to do this is through photo and video being posted by fans who have been inside the venue. Additionally, phones being locked up is usually announced in advance so people can make arrangements to be without. There has been no announcement that we won’t have our phones.

What is U2:UV?

We believe it is a reference to U2’s song from Achtung Baby, “Ultra Violet” which will be played during these shows. In advance of ticketing the fan club broke fans into two groups “Ultra” and “Violet”. The lounge which will be the centre of the fan exhibit is being called the “Ultra Violet” lounge. And it’s believed the first view of the new logo included some ambient noise reminiscent of the start of “Ultra Violet”. The new logo suggests neon tube lights in colours which you would get from black light, i.e. ultra violet light.

Sphere Policies

Can I come and go from the Sphere?

No, once you have entered you cannot leave and come back. All exits are final.

What form of payment is accepted at the Sphere?

Cash will not be accepted at the Sphere. Credit and debit cards will work, as well as paying via Samsung, Apple or Android.

Are bags allowed at the Sphere?

The Sphere has announced that it is a “no bag” facility. Large bags will not be allowed and only “small cutches, purses and fanny packs” no larger than 6-inches x 6-inches x 2-inches will be allowed in. (15.2 × 15.2 × 5cm) Exceptions will be made for diaper bags or bags required for medical items, but all exceptions will be screened, either visually or by X-Ray.

What items are prohibited at the Sphere?

The Sphere lists a number of prohibited items including:

Weapons, firearms, knives
Laser pens
Pepper spray/mace
Signs, banners, flags
Selfie sticks
Video cameras/recording devices
Outside food and beverage, including alcohol
Glass, cans, aluminum bottles
Hoverboards and skateboards
Cowbells and airhorns

Zoo Station

What is Zoo Station?

Zoo Station is being described as an immersive and interactive exhibit located over two floors at the Venetian resort. It will be located between the Palazzo and Venetian Towers. The exhibit was developed by Vibee in collaboration with with Gavin Friday, U2’s longtime Creative Director. U2 have had direct input into the exhibit. The exhibit will include over 12,000 square feet of space.

How much is admission to Zoo Station?

Entry to Zoo Station is free, although there is a charge if you wish to see one of the five films, and there are charges for drinks, and merchandise. There are plenty of activities over two floors which will be free.

When does Zoo Station open?

The exhibit opens on September 28, the day before the first U2 at the Sphere. It will be open from September 28 to Nov 4 and will reopen from December 1 to December 16. The exhibit is not planned to be open in the period from November 4 to December 1 at this time. (U2 also will not be performing in this time frame.)

What are the hours for the Zoo Station?

The exhibit is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am until 9pm. On days there is a U2 performance at the sphere, the Station will be closed from 4pm to 6pm, and only accessible to VIP guests who have bought the Vibee package.

How do I enter Zoo Station?

The entrance for the general public will be on the first level of the exhibit. The main entrance will be adjacent to the LOVE sculpture in The Venetian’s Waterfall Atrium. There is a special VIP entrance on the second level direct into the Ultra Violet lounge, which allows VIP pass holders to skip any line on the main level, even outside of the VIP only times on show days. (This entrance is next to the Atomic Saloon, which is not a U2 feature.) There will also be an entrance on the second level for those who have pre-booked film showings.

Is the Zoo Station exhibit wheel chair accessible?

Yes, it is being advertised as wheel chair accessible, but does mention that some areas may have limited accessibility.

What payment is accepted at Zoo Station?

Like the Sphere itself, Zoo Station will not accept cash.

What is Zoo TV Cinema?

Part of the Zoo Station Exhibit is five films curated by The Edge. The titles have not yet been announced. The films will be shown in a small theatre with Dolby Atmos spatial sound. Mock ups of the theatre show approximately 120 seats. Advance tickets will be sold, but the location to purchase these has not yet been announced. Seats are not reserved and will be first come first serve for each showing.

I thought the films were free with VIP?

VIP packages through Vibee do include one complimentary ticket to one screening at the theatre. If you wish to do additional shows, you will have to pay as mentioned above. VIP holders will be able to pre-book the one complimentary show.

Will all the films be the same?

Five different films are planned, and will be different durations. Screenings will vary day by day and by screening. Although titles have not yet been announced, advertising mentions “rare footage, behind-the-scenes clips, and concert highlights”. Not all of the material is promised to be new or unreleased, but unreleased material is promised. Original content mentioned includes “Beyond the Tour” and “A Day in the Life of the Edge” – it is not known if these are the same as previous videos shared online with those titles, or if they are new items using older titles.

Can I bring in food and drink?

Food and drinks purchased at the Fly bar will be allowed in. Outside food and drink will not be allowed. The theatre will be located on the second floor near the Fly bar.

Is there also a shop?

Yes, there is a shop which will be selling U2 branded merchandise, and “a variety of music titles”. The shop will be located on the first floor of the exhibit on the left hand side as you enter Zoo Station. They share that the shop will “include a capsule collection of limited-edition products made exclusively for this experience will be available throughout the run.”

Is the shop open at all times?

No, the shop will close on show days for a special closed shopping time for those who have bought VIP packages. This will be from 4-6pm on show days. Additionally plans to allow U2.Com subscribers a special window to shop has been announced, but details have not been provided on what that may entail. Check closer to the launch of the venue for more information.

What else is part of the exhibit?

There will be a gallery exhibiting Anton Corbijn’s photographs of the band, curated by Corbijn himself. The exhibit will include still photos and video from his work with U2. On the second floor will be the Ultra Violet lounge, which will be a place fans can meet, hang out, and take a minute or two to relax. It will include the Fly bar, where you can purchase a cocktail. There will be bar service and DJs throughout at the lounge, as well as additional merchandise availability. There will be other interactive features, including the satellite of love, an interactive media center, as you enter the exhibit area, and a special interactive graffiti station in the Ultra Violet lounge, where you can leave a message of your own for others to see. The exhibit also includes a life-size subway car and a vintage Trabant car display.

Where do I go for more information?

Here’s a collection of official links for the upcoming shows, the Zoo Station experience, Vibee who are selling VIP and hotel packages, as well as links for the Sphere and Ticketmaster.

https://www.u2zoostation.com/
https://www.u2.com/news/title/surprise-zoo-station-a-u2uv-experience-in-vegas
https://vibee.com/tours/U2-Standard-packages
https://www.thespherevegas.com/shows/u2
https://www.ticketmaster.com/u2-tickets/artist/736365

If any information in the links above is different than what we have published here, the links above should be assumed to be correct. Information contained in this guide are taken from the above links, as well as emails sent by Vibee to VIP Package holders, and to Hotel Package holders.

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