LAS VEGAS, Nevada – A person has been taken into custody after climbing to the top of the Sphere in Las Vegas on Wednesday, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police. The Sphere is located at the corner of Sands Avenue and Koval Lane, about three miles north of Allegiant Stadium, the host venue for Super Bowl LVIII. This incident occurred as Las Vegas is preparing to host the high-security event, bringing heightened security to the area around the Strip.
The climber was spotted on top of the Sphere, an area known as the exosphere, before appearing to descend back inside. Emergency vehicles were on the scene, and people were urged to avoid the area. Social media posts identified the climber as Maison Des Champs, an “urban climber” known for scaling tall buildings across the U.S. to protest abortion. This is not the first time Des Champs has been involved in such an incident, as he was previously arrested in Las Vegas for scaling a high rise back in 2021.
“We are grateful to the local authorities for their support in this matter,” a spokesperson for Sphere Entertainment said in a statement. “The individuals involved are currently in the custody of LVMPD.” The Sphere is scheduled to display several activations from the NFL and other sponsors related to the big game, despite the disruption caused by the incident.
The climber’s actions not only disrupted the security and peace of the area but also created a potential safety risk. Incidents like this highlight the need for increased security measures, especially in high-traffic areas during major events. The safety of the public and the security of the city’s infrastructure must be prioritized, especially in the lead-up to events like the Super Bowl.
Authorities and building management are urged to reassess security measures and consider implementing additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Sphere and other high-rise buildings in the area need to be secured to prevent unauthorized access, especially during high-profile events. The incident also serves as a reminder for the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities to prevent potential security threats.