Las Vegas Sphere gives its cheeky emoji mascot a name, unveils merchandise store
It’s round, cheeky and usually adorable – at least when it’s not giving you the eye.
That would be Orbi, the newly named emoji that takes over the exosphere – the world’s largest LED screen – of the Sphere on a daily basis.
During its 17-month existence, the graphic-with-personality on the outside of Las Vegas’ revolutionary venue has taunted golfers at nearby resorts, sweated during the 100-degrees-plus summer weather, loomed over the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix as cars zipped around the Strip and boasted its patriotism with an “I Voted” sticker in November.
The moniker bestowed upon Orbi is in conjunction with the Sphere unveiling an e-commerce website featuring merchandise related to Orbi as well as the rotund building that has boasted concert residencies from U2, Phish, Dead & Company, the Eagles and Anyma since opening in September 2023.
This year, concert programming ventures into country (Kenny Chesney, 15 shows starting May 22) and pop (Backstreet Boys, 18 shows starting July 11).
“Orbi has become a global phenomenon and cultural touchstone,” said Chandra Allison, executive vice president sales and service at the Sphere, noting how the emoji has “captivated audiences” locally and on social media with its charismatic expressions.
The Sphere, which neighbors the Venetian and Wynn resorts just off the Strip, has also become a magnet for visitors who want to gape at the visually arresting exosphere, which, as of July also includes a musical backdrop within the footprint of the venue.
The “Orbi Collection” and related Sphere products such as T-shirts, hoodies, baby wear, tote bags, trucker hats, magnets and keychains, are available at shop.thesphere.com. Some Sphere-branded products will also be available for purchase at the venue.
To celebrate the launch of the online store, Orbi will commandeer the Sphere’s Instagram on Thursday (@SphereVegas) and will answer fan questions starting at 3 p.m. ET.