Key Takeaways
- Delta Air Lines has partnered with Sphere Entertainment in Las Vegas to bring its SKY360° Club concept to the venue
- The partnership makes Delta the official airline of Sphere and introduces a new branded hospitality space
- The Delta SKY360° Club at Sphere offers premium access opportunities for SkyMiles Members and connects live entertainment with Delta’s loyalty ecosystem
- The partnership highlights Delta’s focus on connecting customers to experiences that make travel meaningful and extends beyond traditional travel to cultural moments
- The partnership also builds on Delta’s recent ties to Sphere and Las Vegas, including the delivery of the first-ever CES keynote inside Sphere
Introduction to the Partnership
Delta Air Lines has announced a multi-year partnership with Sphere Entertainment in Las Vegas, bringing the airline’s SKY360° Club concept to one of the world’s most recognizable entertainment venues. Under the agreement, Delta becomes the official airline of Sphere and will open a Delta SKY360° Club inside the venue. The lounge marks Sphere’s first branded hospitality space and further expands Delta’s presence into live entertainment and cultural experiences. The partnership is a significant development in the airline industry, as it highlights Delta’s focus on connecting customers not only to destinations but also to experiences that make travel meaningful.
The Official Airline of the Sphere
The partnership between Delta and Sphere Entertainment introduces a Delta SKY360° Club as Sphere’s first branded hospitality space, while also creating new premium access opportunities for SkyMiles Members through the SkyMiles Experiences platform. The initiative connects live entertainment with Delta’s loyalty ecosystem, enabling members to access special-event packages and exclusive Sphere programming. This partnership is a win-win for both parties, as it allows Delta to expand its presence in the entertainment industry and provides Sphere with a reputable partner to enhance its customer experience. According to Marcus Ellington, Sphere Executive Vice President Ad Sales and Sponsorships, "We are proud to welcome Delta as our partner on two firsts for Sphere, our first official airline and first branded hospitality space."
The Sphere Venue
The Sphere was completed in 2023 at a cost of US$2.3 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment venue built in the Las Vegas Valley. The facility features wraparound LED visuals and advanced audio technology, with seating for 17,600 guests and a total capacity of roughly 20,000, including standing room. The venue was designed as a next-generation space for immersive concerts and events, and its partnership with Delta is expected to enhance its customer experience. Delta’s role at Sphere extends beyond naming rights, as the airline will maintain a prominent presence on the Exosphere, the venue’s 580,000-square-foot exterior LED surface, along with signage and digital integrations throughout the building.
Delta’s Role at Sphere
Delta’s partnership with Sphere is not limited to the SKY360° Club, as the airline will also have a significant presence throughout the venue. The airline will maintain a prominent presence on the Exosphere, the venue’s 580,000-square-foot exterior LED surface, along with signage and digital integrations throughout the building. This visibility supports Delta’s broader brand strategy of linking travel with culture, technology, and premium lifestyle experiences. The partnership also builds on Delta’s recent ties to Sphere and Las Vegas, including the delivery of the first-ever CES keynote inside Sphere. According to Delta Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman, "At Delta, our mission is to make every journey matter, and that extends beyond the flight."
The Delta SKY360° Club Experience
The centerpiece of the partnership is the Delta SKY360° Club at Sphere, which is open on the event level. Delta’s lounge offers guests a more intimate, premium space to enjoy live concerts, Sphere Experiences like The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, and other special events. The lounge represents a new evolution of the SKY360° Club concept, which has previously been introduced at major sports venues, including New York’s Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden. The Delta SKY360° Club at Sphere is expected to provide a unique experience for SkyMiles Members, who will have access to exclusive events and premium amenities.
Expansion and Future Plans
The partnership between Delta and Sphere is expected to expand in the future, with plans to open a second, smaller US venue with a capacity of 6,000 at National Harbor, Maryland. It remains to be seen whether Delta will continue to expand its presence across new Sphere venues once they open in years to come. However, the partnership is a significant development in the airline industry, as it highlights Delta’s focus on connecting customers to experiences that make travel meaningful. The partnership also reinforces Delta’s view of SkyMiles as more than a frequent flyer program, positioning it as a gateway to cultural moments that extend beyond traditional travel. As part of this effort, Delta has already begun offering SkyMiles auctions for experiences at Sphere, including access to a Backstreet Boys performance on February 13.
