Las Vegas Sphere to reduce noise from exosphere after complaints from residents

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — As the Las Vegas Sphere prepares to host its first live sporting event this weekend, many locals have raised concerns about the volume of the Exosphere's latest outdoor audio enhancement.

“The noise violated the client's constitutional rights as well as his ability to enjoy his property without interference,” said an attorney representing a concerned homeowner.

At a recent Clark County Zoning Commission meeting, Las Vegas residents and Sphere representatives discussed differing opinions on a compromise regarding the Exosphere's audio quality.

“I like the look it gives to the area. We love the sphere so much that we bought another condo in Meridian to rent out. But we are concerned about the noise because it is a residential area,” said one Las Vegas resident.

While some are against it, other residents say the attraction adds a unique touch to the city.

“I think adding an audio aspect to the sphere creates a great immersive experience. I was there recently and heard it. It's not too loud, but sounds pretty good when you're standing next to it,” said another Las Vegas resident who works near the sphere.

Hoping to find a solution, Sphere representatives proposed several measures to keep the noise under control.

“These are other compromises that were made, some of them in the City Council and some afterward, but that we all agree with. A tolerance for more noise will be limited to no more than 12 days per year, the increase in noise level on those days will be limited to a frequency of no more than 85 decibels, measured at the property line of the sphere,” said Las Vegas attorney David Brown.

Sphere officials also say that residents will be notified of such events two weeks in advance and that there will be no noise after 11:30 p.m., with the exception of New Year's Eve celebrations, which will be extended until 1 a.m.

“I think we've come up with a reasonable solution, but it's also subject to a one-year review. There will be 12 events and if there's a problem in a year, we can report. They won't get another 12 months, but we'll try to work on it too,” said Tick Segerblom, chairman of the Clark County Commission.