Impressive 170-Ton Compression Ring Tops Vegas MSG Sphere Project
The Venetian Las Vegas is wowing onlookers with its new MSG Sphere before it has even been completed. Workers recently placed an enormous compression ring atop the structure, 300 ft above street level.
The massive structure was lowered on top of a steel shoring tower on Feb. 18. The Ring was set by a DEMAG CC-8800, which is the world’s fourth-largest crawler crane. This step in the process is indicative of the enormous scope of the 17,500-seat Sphere that will cost $1.66-billion.
Nick Tomasino, vice president of construction for the Madison Square Garden Co. said In a statement, “Even the scale of the equipment needed for construction is unique. This specialty crane allows us to execute the complexities that come with building the largest spherical structure in the world, safely performing lifts that require an incredible amount of expertise and precision.”
MSG recently moved GC responsibilities in-house but previous general contractor AECOM, remains involved.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
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