Concert Travel Diaries: Kenny Chesney at the Sphere
The Show: Kenny Chesney at the Sphere
Kenny Chesney at the Sphere was everything you’d hope for and then some. I was incredibly close, the setlist was stacked from start to finish, and Kenny’s genuine connection with his fans came through in every moment. The visuals don’t just complement the music — they completely surround you, shifting the scale of the room and rocking your sense of space in the best way. It’s the kind of show that reminds you how powerful live music can be when the venue itself becomes part of the performance.
Getting to Vegas
Traveling from Boston to Las Vegas is a breeze, with several nonstop flights daily on JetBlue and Delta. Once you land, taxis and rideshares are readily available to take you straight to the Strip.
Getting to the Sphere
The Sphere is located behind The Venetian Resort and can be accessed directly from the street or by walking through the hotel. Be warned: like most of Vegas, there is a lot of walking, so choose your footwear wisely or opt for a rideshare.
Make time to stop by the Venetian during the day for the No Shoes Nation Lounge, which is free and open to all. You can browse concert photos from over the years, play cornhole, buy merch ahead of the show, and even sit in Kenny’s iconic Old Blue Chair.
Inside the Venue: The Sphere
The Sphere is unlike any venue or visual experience you’ve encountered before. If you’ve ever been to an Omni Theatre, you might think you know what to expect. You don’t. The Sphere takes that level of immersion and turns it into something entirely different.
Any member of No Shoes Nation would be thrilled to take this ride. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the pit or lower levels are your best bet. I was slightly worried about being overwhelmed by the visuals, but being down low was perfect. Merch, drinks, restrooms, and concessions are easy to access, and there’s plenty of staff on hand to keep things moving smoothly.
Where to Stay: Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
Treasure Island was a perfect home base for the Sphere. The hotel is inexpensive, clean, and easy, with plenty of food options on-site. Drinks on the casino floor are easy to come by if you’re playing, and the giant sports bar and large pool area make it a solid choice if you want amenities without a luxury price tag.
If you’re looking for a higher-end option with equally easy access to the Sphere, The Venetian Resort or The Palazzo at The Venetian are excellent upgrades.
Side Trek: Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street offers a glimpse into the grandeur that made Vegas famous in the first place. Go during the day and make a stop at El Cortez Hotel and Casino, one of the city’s oldest casinos with real character. Fremont is fun and high-energy, but it definitely gets more rowdy as the day goes on, making daytime the sweet spot.
Bounce from casino to casino, grab a pint at Hennessey’s Tavern, and pick up a pair of novelty dice to hang from your rearview mirror.
Where to Eat: Hash House A Go Go
If you’re doing breakfast in Vegas, Hash House A Go Go’s corned beef hash is the move. Come hungry.
Where to Eat: Lago by Julian Serrano
If you want the best view of the fountains in Las Vegas, this is it. Lago is stunning, expensive, and positioned directly over the Bellagio Fountains. You’re absolutely paying a view tax, but the Caesar salad was crisp, the chicken parmigiana was excellent, the service flawless, and the espresso martini unforgettable. Not an every-meal spot, but a perfect splurge.
Where to Drink: Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. When you stay at Treasure Island, you will almost certainly end up at Gilley’s. Live music kicks off nightly, there’s a mechanical bull, line dancing, and some of the best people-watching on earth. Stop in for a beer, stay for the bull and the chaos.
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