Las Vegas Sphere’s Audio Raises Local Concerns

Las Vegas residents have voiced concerns about the noise levels from the Las Vegas Sphere‘s newest outdoor audio enhancement. An attorney representing a concerned homeowner stated, “The sound has violated the client’s constitutional rights as well as his ability to quietly use his property.”

At a recent Clark County Zoning Commission meeting, opinions varied regarding the Sphere’s audio enhancements. One local resident expressed, “I love the visual it’s added to the area. We are so excited about the Sphere that we purchased another condo at the Meridian to rent, but we are concerned about it bringing sound because it is a residential area.” While this view reflects the concerns of some, other residents appreciate the attraction’s novel contribution to the city. “I think that adding an audio aspect to the Sphere is a great immersive experience,” stated a resident who works nearby, noting that the sound “doesn’t sound too loud; it sounds pretty decent when you are next to it.”

In an effort to reach a consensus, Sphere representatives proposed several measures to minimize noise disruption. “These are additional compromises that were made,” said Las Vegas attorney David Brown. One of the key compromises includes allowing increased noise levels, limited to 85 decibels, on no more than 12 days annually, measured at the Sphere’s property line. Residents will receive notifications two weeks beforehand, and the audio will be cut off by 11:30 p.m., except for New Year’s Eve, extending to 1 a.m.

Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom remarked, “I think we have come up with a reasonable solution, but it is also subject to a one-year review. There are going to be 12 events, and a year from now, if there is a problem, we can come forward. They won’t get another 12 months, but we would also try to work on it.”