We just got home from seeing The Backstreet Boys at Sphere, and it was worth every bit of the hype! With that said, we have some tips before you go to the show!
In a Hurry? Here are the Highlights
- Wear all white with pops of silver or baby blue
- Skip the heels because the stairs are steep
- Plan for pricey drinks
- The BSB Terminal in the Palazzo is worth doing before the show
- The Sphere is cashless
Screenshot
We’ve been Backstreet Boys fans since the beginning so getting to see them inside the Sphere was a must-do!
We actually saw them together at Planet Hollywood back in 2019 for Kalee’s birthday, and this time we went for Kim’s! It has become a little mother-daughter birthday tradition at this point. Both shows are absolutely amazing.
The visuals wrap all the way around you, the whole crowd shows up in white, and for a couple of hours you are back in 1999 again screaming every word.
What to Wear to the Backstreet Boys Sphere Show
The unofficial dress code is all white in honor of the Millennium album.
You will feel a little left out and stand out if you don’t.
Lots of people, including us, mixed in pops of silver and baby blue. We also saw lots of butterfly clips and body glitter! Don’t forget to pack them because Walgreens on the strip didn’t have any!
Tip: If you are wearing a white Y2K outfit, pack nude undies so nothing shows through. That is the kind of tip you only learn once.
Skip the heels.
The stairs inside the Sphere are steep, and the walk to the Sphere is pretty far. Cute flat sneakers are perfect and a popular choice!
View from 323 at the Sphere in Vegas for BSB
Backstreet Boys Sphere Seats: What to Know Before You Buy
If you are still buying tickets, pay attention to where you sit, because the Sphere is not like a normal arena where closer always means better.
From what we experienced, seats in Section 100 around row 24 and higher can have limited or obstructed views.
People told us you could see the stage and the guys well, but you can’t see all of the graphics.
General Admission versus 200, 300, or 400
General Admission is great if you want to be close to the stage and really see the guys up and close, but if you’re wanting an immersive Sphere experience the 300s were perfect! We were in 323 and could see the guys and the graphics.
The Seats Vibrate
Another reason to not choose General Admission is if you want the immersive experience.
The seats vibrate during parts of the show. It is part of the immersive setup and it is genuinely fun, so make sure you are actually sitting for some of it instead of standing the whole time.
The BSB Terminal Is Worth It?
Before the show, there is an airport-themed fan experience called the BSB Terminal. It’s free and fun to go to. I didn’t expect to feel anything when we walked in, but it actually gave me goosebumps.
It has exclusive merch, photo ops, and a bar, and it gets busy, so give yourself real time before the show to enjoy it. You can Google BSB Terminal to find the hours for that day, but typically it’s open on show days 10AM-7PM and then after the show.
It is the perfect way to start the day or bookend the night, and the line moves faster once the crowd starts clearing.
walking to the sphere through the palazzo indoor bridge
Getting to the Sphere, Drinks, and Pacing Your Night
A few practical notes that will save you money and stress.
Merchandise
The Terminal has the most merchandise to pick from, but they also have merch stands in the Sphere.
Unless you want a specific weekend t-shirt, I recommend going to the Terminal and storing everything in your room so you don’t have to keep up with it at the show.
Getting To the Sphere
We stayed at The Palazzo, and one of the best surprises was being able to walk almost entirely indoors to the Sphere through The Venetian Convention Center and Expo. It was 114 degrees when we went on July 23, so avoiding the Vegas heat was a huge bonus.
The bridge isn’t always open though so it’s worth checking beforehand.
Drinks
The drinks are expensive, and we noticed prices seemed to vary depending on which bartender we got, even for soda. We were charged over $40 for two sodas.
Budget more than you think you will need, and do not be shocked at the tab.
Food
The Sphere has food and snacks available. I can’t comment on how good it is though.
We grabbed In-N-Out after the show. It was busy, but it’s cheap and open till 1AM.
Show Starts About 8:35-8:40
The show starts around 8:40, so if you already have your seats, there is no need to rush and stress in the lobby. Give yourself margin.
That said, grab your drinks and use the restroom before the show starts so you are not climbing those steep stairs and missing a song.
Once it begins, you will not want to leave your seat.
If You Get Motion Sickness
If you tend to get motion sickness, I highly recommend Dramamine. The wraparound visuals move a lot, and some people feel it.
Keep in mind Dramamine and alcohol don’t play well together though.
After the Show
After the show, grab a picture with the Backstreet Boys logo on your way out.
Little Extras That Made It More Fun
A few things that are not essential but made our night better:
Pack butterfly clips and a little body glitter if you want to go full Y2K.
Google the BSB After Party and Howie’s events ahead of time.
There is often more happening around the residency than just the show, and it is easier to plan for it before you are standing in Vegas trying to figure it out on your phone.
Have Your Phone Ready During “The Call”
And if you know, you know: keep an eye out for the fan tradition of texting a certain number during “The Call.”
It is one of those little inside things that makes the whole crowd feel like one big group of friends.
Is the Backstreet Boys Sphere Show Worth It?
For us, one hundred percent yes. It is not a cheap night out once you add up tickets, drinks, and the merch you will absolutely want to buy, but the experience is unlike any concert we have been to.
We seriously felt post-concert sadness when it was over.
How does it compare to their previous Planet Hollywood residency?
We’ve now seen the Backstreet Boys at both Planet Hollywood and the Sphere, and honestly they’re completely different experiences.
Planet Hollywood was incredibly intimate. Brian danced right beside us, and if you had table seats, each of the guys came over throughout the show.
The Sphere is the exact opposite. It’s bigger, more immersive, and the visuals are unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
We’re so thankful we got to experience both.
Backstreet Boys Sphere FAQ
What should I wear to the Backstreet Boys Sphere show?
Wear all white with pops of silver or baby blue as a nod to the Millennium album cover. Skip heels because the stairs are steep, and go with flat sneakers instead. If you wear a white outfit, pack nude undies.
Do you have to use a clear purse?
No, you can bring any purse, but it must be 6″ x 6″ x 2″.
I did a wristlet and was really wishing I had done a fanny pack or crossbody so my hands could be more free.
What are the best seats for the Backstreet Boys at Sphere?
The best seats let you take in the full wraparound screen, so closer is not always better.
The 200s, 300s, and 400s have great immersive views, and the guys are put on the graphics throughout the show.
With that said, if you want to see them up-close, you’ll want general admission. But you will miss some of the graphics in GA.
Also in our research, we found out Section 100 around row 24 and up can have limited or obstructed views, so factor that in when you buy. You can see the stage, but you’ll miss some of the graphics.
Do the seats at the Sphere really vibrate?
Yes. During parts of the show the seats vibrate as part of the immersive experience, so make sure you are sitting for some of it.
How long is the Backstreet Boys Sphere concert?
There is no intermission, and the show is 90 minutes long. There is no encore.
What is the BSB Terminal?
It is an airport-themed fan experience near the venue with exclusive merch, photo ops, and a bar. The airplane-seat photo op is our favorite, and it is worth arriving early for.
Can kids go to the Backstreet Boys Sphere show?
Yes! We saw kids of all ages enjoying the concert.
We seriously had that post-concert sadness afterward. You know…when you wish you could rewind the night and experience it all over again. That’s how special it was. Now I’m off to drink out of my souvenir cup.
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