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The UFC's Noche UFC event at The Sphere in Las Vegas was a groundbreaking spectacle that combined the excitement of mixed martial arts with the venue's immersive technology.
The $20 million production featured stunning visuals, including a Mexican city skyline set in the future, an ancient temple, and a colorful Mexican plaza.
While the fights themselves may have been mixed, the overall experience was unforgettable. As Joel Fisher, executive vice president of Marquee Events and Operations at Madison Square Garden Entertainment, noted:
"What UFC was able to do so beautifully was enhance the action in the Octagon without distracting from the main events."
The success of Noche UFC has raised questions about whether other sporting events can replicate such a spectacle at The Sphere. Fisher believes that while other sports may not be able to fully replicate the venue's unique capabilities, they can certainly learn from the UFC's approach and consider new ways to engage fans.
"Because Sphere and its technological capabilities are unlike anything, anywhere else in the world, other sports won't simply be able to replicate what we did with UFC. But I do think it will make them think hard about what they are delivering to fans and how to engage them in new ways. And if they want to do that with us at Sphere, we are open to those conversations."[H/t: ESPN]
Dana White reveals why UFC won't have another event at the Sphere anytime soon
Despite breaking multiple revenue records with UFC 306, UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out a return to The Sphere in Las Vegas. While the event was a massive success, both financially and in terms of fan experience, White's contractual obligations with MGM prevent future events at the venue. Speaking on the matter at the UFC 306 post-fight presser, White said:
“No, I’m under contract with MGM... I told you guys leading up to this, the way that this whole thing played out, tonight was meant to happen. It happened, we did it, we killed it ... I have literally been getting blown up by everybody about this event. The other thing we did was that it translated well onto television, too. People felt like it was a different experience than they get on a normal Saturday night for a UFC event.”
Check out Dana White's comments below (27:22):
