Sphere has quickly become a landmark on the Las Vegas skyline and a state-of-the-art concert venue. For the first time, Sphere will host a live, unscripted event, requiring dynamic content for both the interior and exterior displays.

Venue’s Capabilities Highlighted

Steve Mayer, chief content officer/senior EVP at NHL, described Sphere as an unparalleled blank canvas. The NHL Draft will be the first live telecast from inside Sphere and the first time interior content will cater to both in-venue fans and TV viewers.

Collaboration and Content Creation

Sphere Studios, dedicated to creating immersive content, collaborated with the NHL’s design team to develop custom graphics for Sphere’s interior and exterior displays. This involved multiple visits to the Minisphere facility in Burbank, CA, to refine the content.

Graphics and Content Management

The graphics content is arranged in layers, allowing independent changes of backgrounds based on featured segments and teams. Ross XPression is used to coordinate the flow and preloaded graphics for the show. Custom graphics include designs for all 32 NHL teams, key statistics, notable former picks, and an immersive selection board for each team’s pick.

Technical Challenges

The NHL Draft presents unique challenges due to its unscripted nature, unlike Sphere’s usual pre-planned concerts. Mayer emphasized the need to adapt quickly to trades or pick swaps during the event, ensuring the environment changes accordingly both inside and outside the venue.

Innovative Visual and Audio Experiences

Sphere will incorporate live television broadcast footage into its exterior display, offering unprecedented engagement for fans. Inside, the venue’s capabilities allow for creating illusions of depth and transforming the environment, inspired by previous shows at Sphere.

Production Setup

Multiple cameras will capture player moments, with feeds displayed for fans at different levels. Mayer will oversee the production from the control truck, ensuring a wide capture of Sphere’s unique features with railcams and drones.

The 2024 NHL Draft at Sphere marks a significant milestone for both the NHL and the venue, showcasing Sphere’s advanced capabilities in hosting dynamic live events.