Relive the best part of the ’90s with me – because Backstreet’s Back (alright!)
The Backstreet Boys’ residency is well underway in Las Vegas — this time at The Sphere. I know you’ve seen snippets on TikTok, but nothing can truly prepare you for the spectacle — and nostalgia — of the show.
Millennials, trust me when I say we needed this.
I saw the Backstreet Boys in 1999 (I was 12) for the OG “Into the Millennium Tour.” It was my first concert, and I knew I had to see them again 25 years later. Now that I’m nearing 40, I needed to treat my inner child — and BSB did not disappoint.
Yes, that’s me — in 1999 when I was convinced my feelings for Kevin Richardson were reciprocated — like we all did.
Now this was also my first trip to Las Vegas. Overstimulation was a real concern, so I booked my stay at The Flamingo for close proximity to The Sphere and for the best retro Vegas vibes. Depending on your budget, The Flamingo is a good choice if you’re looking to save your money for the merch table (you’ll need it). I was able to book a suite for $300 a night — but don’t forget about the resort fees if you do your travel through a booking site like Priceline.
The Flamingo features great views of The Sphere — as seen from my room.
Because it’s Vegas and nothing is cheap, you need to do your homework if it’s your first trip. You’ll easily average $20-$25 per meal — and that’s the budget-friendly options.
The Flamingo is also a stop for the Monorail if you’re pressed for time and want to see more of the Strip. If your hotel is further down or even off the Strip without Monorail access, consider The Duece (hop-on hop-off bus), a rideshare or taxi because the Vegas heat is no joke.
The Terminal Pop-Up at The Venetian:
I had tickets for the Friday, July 18, show. That morning I walked over to The Venetian to check out the “Backstreet Boys Terminal” pop-up. Brace yourselves for major feels and an experience almost as immersive as The Sphere itself. However, fair warning: Allow yourself plenty of time for this. I had no trouble getting in Friday afternoon, but there was a significant line all day Saturday. If you enjoy living dangerously, you could go before the show on your way from The Venetian to The Sphere (I am not one of these people).
Anyway, back to the Terminal. Be sure to check the TRL recreation and then head upstairs for more nostalgic goodness. Also, the merch line upstairs is way too long and way too expensive. If you’re going to the show, you’re better off buying a t-shirt at The Sphere (more on this later).
Allow time to linger and take it all in – you’ll relive your childhood and see posters you had on your bedroom wall. It’s a lot. Mentally prepare for it. Whatever you do, don’t forget to share your favorite Millennial Moment and pin it to the map.
Getting to The Sphere:
Once you’re at The Venetian, navigating to The Sphere is fairly easy. Just follow the signs towards the conference center and look for The Sphere sign (and everyone who’s wearing white). The gates opened promptly at 6:30 p.m. so you’ll have two hours to check out the merch table and grab food if you haven’t eaten. You can bypass the ground floor merch stand and head up the escalator to the second level — it’s much less crowded and the prices are lower than what you’ll see at The Terminal pop-up at The Venetian. Think $50 for a t-shirt vs. $150 at the terminal.
Plus, the merch tables at The Sphere are the only locations selling the unique concert items for each night of the show.
Also, don’t forget to eat! It’s Vegas — so yes, even a slice of pizza will run you about $20 at The Sphere. But for venue pizza, it’s not bad and it will keep you from starving and feeling faint because the show is going to drain you (trust me).
For a few more dollars, don’t forget to order your drink in a souvenir cup. It’s worth it.
Inside The Sphere: What to Expect
Once you get inside The Sphere, it’s a little overwhelming. My seat was in the 300s and you get a full view of the screens. There’s really not a bad seat in the house. Again, it’s a fully immersive experience. If you have problems with motion sickness, you might consider taking a Dramamine (your hotel will likely sell it). However, keep in mind, it could make you sleepy. Really, really sleepy. So if you’ve never taken it before, keep that in mind.
Although tickets say the concert starts at 8 p.m., it’s about 8:30 before they actually take the stage, and once they do it’s a nonstop ride of nostalgia. Hearing them sing “Larger Than Life” again took me back to hearing it for the first time when I was 12. Again, it’s a lot — but in the best way. It’s 20,000 millennials losing their minds and going back to a time when they were safe and everything made sense. Before recessions, “unprecedented” events happening every three months, and millennial gray saturation.
The set list is a fun blast from the past with the old school hits, singles, and deep cuts from the Millennium album, and a visually stunning version of “Siberia.” Their energy, fan appreciation, and love for what they do has only grown with time. Both the band and their fans have emotionally evolved over the years – Kevin, AJ, Brian, Nick, and Howie have all married and had kids, along with most of their fans (sans yours truly), and you truly feel like you’ve been on this journey with them.
And you know what? I appreciate them for that – for giving us all this wonderful gift of nostalgia to a generation that doesn’t seem to age. Nostalgia is what keeps us young at heart. Lean into it — embrace it, and it will bring back those feelings of when you first heard the bridge for “I Want It That Way.” If you know, you know.
Thanks BSB (and Kevy Kev). Thanks for the memory of a lifetime.
Some Things for Millennials to Remember:
- We may still feel like preteens, but we’re not as young as we used to be — don’t overpack your schedule.
- Wear comfortable shoes — you’re going to get about 15,000 steps each day. Think practical, not cute.
- Like Kevin says, stay hydrated! It’s a dry heat, but Vegas is HOT.
- Eat before the show, even if it’s venue food. Your metabolism will be working in overdrive.
- Yes, it’s cold in The Sphere, but the adrenaline will keep you warm.
- It will take you about a week to recover from the experience. Plan accordingly.
The Backstreet Boys’ residency at The Sphere runs until August 24, 2025. Click here for more information.
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