Las Vegas, Nevada witnessed a spectacular event on July 4, 2023, as the Sphere lit up for the first time in celebration of Independence Day. The 366-foot-tall, 516-foot-wide venue, touted as the largest spherical structure on Earth, boasts an Exosphere with a 580,000-square-foot display, making it home to the largest LED screen globally. Expected to open later in 2023, the Sphere is set to host UFC 306, an event that has garnered significant attention.
Despite initial high ticket prices during the pre-sale in late July, ticket costs for the Noche UFC fight card on September 14 have seen a significant reduction. Floor seats that were initially priced between $12,507 to $17,507 are now available for $4,407.50 to $9,507.50. The event's live gate, initially projected to reach $25 to $27 million, has been revised down to $21 million by UFC CEO Dana White.
White's decision to invest a reported $20 million in the production of UFC 306 marks a significant departure from previous live events. With over 1,000 tickets still unsold, White remains optimistic that the event will sell out by fight night. The current UFC live gate record stands at $17.7 million for UFC 205, with UFC 306 poised to set a new benchmark.
UFC 306 at the Sphere will feature two title fights, including UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley facing Merab Dvalishvili in the main event, and UFC women’s flyweight champ Alexa Grasso defending her title against former champion Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event. The event, set to be a one-time spectacle, is expected to have long-term positive implications for the UFC brand and business.
Partnering with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, the event has been rebranded as Riyadh Season Noche UFC, with White expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration. The UFC's strategic investments in the event aim to grow the brand, engage fans, and tap into the Latin market's growth potential. UFC 306 promises to be a historic event in combat sports history, showcasing top-tier talent and setting new standards for live sporting experiences.
