Sphere faces growing resident complaints despite noise restrictions
Apartment dwellers report late-night disruptions as venue seeks to remove oversight requirements
Residents living near Las Vegas’s architectural marvel, the Sphere, are voicing frustration over persistent late-night noise that they say violates the venue’s operating conditions and disrupts their daily lives.
Despite Clark County’s approval last September limiting the venue to 85 decibels at the property line for no more than 12 days annually, neighbors report hearing music from the Sphere’s exterior XO Audio system well into the early morning hours on regular nights—not just during approved special events.
“Hotel California” on repeat
Blanca Campbell, who has lived at The Highline Apartments for nearly two years, describes a nightly soundtrack that extends far beyond reasonable hours. After moving from the back to the front of her building, her apartment now faces the Sphere directly.
“They don’t turn it off whatsoever; you can hear absolutely everything. I hear the Hotel California song all night long sometimes at one or two in the morning,” Campbell told 8 News Now. She noted the problem had temporarily improved but recently returned to previous levels.
The timing of Campbell’s complaints is significant as the Sphere seeks to have Clark County declare them fully compliant and remove the requirement for a one-year review of their noise waiver—a move that would eliminate regular oversight of their sound levels.
Conflicting claims about compliance
Sphere officials maintain they have followed all requirements and received no formal complaints since being granted permission for outdoor events. They report having held just two events under the special noise rules since April.
However, residents’ experiences tell a different story. The disconnect between what venue operators claim and what neighbors experience raises questions about monitoring and enforcement of the noise restrictions.
Legal battles emerge
The noise issue has already sparked legal action. James Kay, a Park Towers resident, filed a lawsuit in October 2024 claiming the Sphere violated county noise ordinances and his property rights. His lawsuit alleges that sound from the venue rattles windows in residents’ homes and that the Sphere began “blasting loud music” without proper governmental approval.
A Clark County District Court judge denied motions to dismiss the case in March 2025, allowing it to proceed. Kay seeks damages exceeding $15,000 for what he describes as violations of his constitutional rights and ability to quietly use his property.
Original compromise under scrutiny
When the Sphere first introduced its XO Audio system on July 4, 2024, the sound reportedly caused windows to vibrate at the nearby Park Towers. This led to negotiations between Sphere executive Rich Constable and residents, resulting in the current restrictions:
- Sound capped at 85 decibels on designated “waiver days”
- Limited to 12 days annually (reduced from an initial request of 18)
- Two-week advance notice to residents for high-volume events
- Midnight cutoff for enhanced sound (except New Year’s Eve)
The 85-decibel limit—comparable to a blender or industrial fire alarm—was measured at the Sphere’s property line, with officials claiming it would drop to 40 decibels by the time it reached Park Towers.
Looking ahead
As the Sphere pushes to remove oversight requirements, residents like Campbell face an uncertain future. Her situation reflects a common Las Vegas dilemma: balancing the city’s entertainment industry with quality of life for those who call the area home.
“If I would have known this was going to be an issue from the very beginning, I probably wouldn’t have moved here,” Campbell said. “I wish they would fix the problem instead, because I live so close to work and it’s super convenient for me to live here.”
The county’s decision on whether to remove the one-year review requirement could set important precedents for how Las Vegas manages conflicts between its world-famous entertainment venues and the growing number of residents living near tourist corridors.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/residents-living-near-las-vegas-003840669.html
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Community Issues
Date: 09/4/2025
