What They Say
I missed the news when it was first announced in 2018, but it seems that the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is trying to build ‘the MSG Sphere’ with “the largest and highest resolution LED screen on Earth”. The firm wants to build the 17,500 seat venue in Stratford, London, following a similar development in Las Vegas, due to open next year.
However, the development has encountered resistance from residents that object to the 90m x 120m facade with 1 million external LEDs over the outside, although the firm said that it will be dimmed at 11.00pm. A planning decision is expected in the next couple of months.
As well as concerts, the venue is expected to host eSports.
What We Think
I worked in Stratford many years ago, when the area was quite grim. However, that part of London was radically changed as part of the London Olympics and has a number of attractions including the London Velodrome (which is great fun to ride around!). As a result, it has become a more popular place to live, but, still, this kind of display would still really stand out in the parkland around the Olympic facilities. (BR)
Artist’s impression of the proposed MSG Sphere events venue in east London. Photograph: The Madison Square Garden Company
