The Sphere in Las Vegas is a venue that entertains and amazes, but one tourist got more than he expected at the bar inside the place.
He was punch-drunk with shock when an order was placed for two drinks, with a very expensive bill that had a sobering effect.
Also known as the Sphere at the Venetian Resort, the music and entertainment destination is located in Paradise, to the east of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada.
The $2.3 billion development has been a worthy addition to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas, the ‘Sin City’ renowned for its nightlife, casinos, resorts, and restaurants.
The Sphere in Las Vegas, with its amazing video displays and 4D immersive experiences, has been attracting high-profile events, bringing top acts to the ‘entertainment capital of the world’. One of those is Kenny Chesney, a prominent country music star who is playing a run of shows at the venue.
The sphere in Las Vegas cost $2.3 billion to build — or about $100k per seat.
They already have concerts and other events lined up, but it feels like they could make a decent amount on external advertising too.
It’s a giant billboard (that goes viral). pic.twitter.com/xZafF8FxQn
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 7, 2023
That’s because you went to a tourist attraction
At the gig, one of his fans was so shocked by the price of drinks, he posted the information to social media, to a mixed reaction.
The bill detailed a $20 (£14.78) charge for a ‘Chesney’ Coors Light draft beer and a double Bacardi rum for $34 (£25.12). There was also a charge for a Chesney cup at $3 (£2.22)
$57 (£42.12) is a steep charge for two drinks, but that was not the total bill, with Nevada’s sales tax of $2.62 (£1.94) and Clark County’s $2.15 (£1.59) tax pushing the subtotal to $61.77 (£45.62).
The final item was a tip of $12.54 (£9.26), bringing the total overall cost for two drinks to a whopping $74.31 (£54.89).
When the check was posted on Facebook, it is fair to say it received a mixed response, with some astounded by the cost, yet others were quick to point out that it should be expected at high-end venues in Las Vegas.
One person said, “Wtf that’s ridiculous, why are they charging so much? They must never get repeat customers”, with another echoing the sentiment when they stated, “Insane! I would’ve walked. I take my flask everywhere I go.”
Another person opined, “Tips on taxes is (sic) morally wrong”.
However, the reaction was not universal, with others choosing to point out some harsh truths.
“That’s because you went to a tourist attraction, that’s where they cost lots of money and I have been to Vegas, and that’s how they make money,” said one respondent.
“This is inside the Sphere, if you look at the receipt. It’s the same as buying drinks in any arena. They always overcharge at arenas or events. That goes for everywhere. Plenty of cheap drinks in Vegas elsewhere”, said another, with a sobering reality.
Image credit: Kenny Chesney/X
