MSG Entertainment replaces AECOM as construction manager of MSG Sphere in Las Vegas

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), New York City, announced on Dec. 17 that it has assumed the role of construction manager on the MSG Sphere project at The Venetian in Las Vegas. AECOM, Los Angeles, has transitioned from its role as general contractor to supporting MSG Sphere with a new services agreement that facilitates the company’s continued involvement through the project’s completion.

The MSG Sphere is being billed as a state-of-the-art, sphere-shaped music and entertainment arena. The 17,500-seat venue is estimated to cost $1.66 billion. Once completed, the facility will stand 360 feet tall and 516 feet wide.

MSG Entertainment, through a wholly owned subsidiary, will manage construction of MSG Sphere with direct responsibility for strategic planning and the construction timeline, as well as management of all subcontractors.

The project will continue to be led by Jayne McGivern, who has been named president of development and construction for MSG Entertainment. McGivern joined MSG Entertainment in 2018 and, prior to being named president of development and construction, served as executive vice president of development and construction. She will continue to oversee construction in Las Vegas, as well as the company’s plans for a second MSG Sphere venue in London, which is pending necessary approvals.

MSG Entertainment’s internal team will direct all aspects of the project, including oversight of 30 AECOM employees who will continue supporting project areas such as health and safety.

“We have taken significant steps to strengthen our internal construction team,” McGivern says. “This, along with valued support from AECOM, will give us greater transparency and control over the construction process, while enabling us to continue benefiting from AECOM’s expertise. MSG Sphere will be a venue unlike any other, and we believe we are well-positioned to not only advance our Las Vegas project, but also deliver on our long-term vision for MSG Sphere.”

According to MSG Entertainment, significant progress has been made on construction of MSG Sphere. Earlier this year, the superstructure reached its widest point with the completion of the venue’s sixth-level concrete ring beam, which is 490 feet wide and sits 113 feet above ground. The construction team recently completed the successful placement of two 240-ton steel girders that sit 140 feet off the ground and span the length of what will be the venue’s stage, paving the way for continued vertical construction.

Over the next year, construction efforts will focus on several of MSG Sphere’s critical path elements. Current work is being done to finish all superstructure concrete pours, which includes completing stair and elevator cores and the venue’s proscenium wall. Steel for the remaining exterior ring beams and inboard decks will then be placed, leading to the start of construction of the steel domed roof in early 2021.

As previously disclosed, MSG Entertainment expects to open MSG Sphere in 2023.