Sphere Entertainment Co., in partnership with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, has announced plans to develop a new Sphere venue at National Harbor. The project would become the second Sphere in the United States and the first to use a smaller-scale design, marking a major step in the company’s strategy to expand immersive entertainment across key global cities.
Located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, National Harbor is already a major tourism and entertainment destination. The addition of Sphere is intended to establish a new landmark for Maryland while delivering significant cultural, community, and economic benefits across the region.
Public and Private Partnership
The development would rely on a mix of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. State and county leaders have positioned the project as one of the most significant economic development initiatives in Prince George’s County history.
Officials highlighted the project as a signal of Maryland’s ability to attract large-scale, high-profile investments that combine technology, entertainment, and long-term job creation.
Economic Impact and Employment
During construction, the venue is expected to support approximately 2,500 jobs. Once operational, an estimated 4,750 permanent jobs would be created, spanning operations, hospitality, technology, and related services.
Sphere National Harbor is projected to generate more than $1 billion in annual economic impact, contributing substantial new revenue to both Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.
Venue Design and Technology
The proposed National Harbor Sphere would seat approximately 6,000 guests, making it the first smaller-format Sphere. Despite its size, it would feature the same core technologies as the Las Vegas venue, including a 16K by 16K interior LED display, immersive sound, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects.
The exterior would include the Exosphere, a large-scale LED display designed to showcase artistic and branded content visible to audiences well beyond the venue itself. Programming would include original Sphere Experiences, concerts, and large-scale brand events throughout the year.
National Harbor as a Strategic Location
Situated along the Potomac River and just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., National Harbor attracts more than 15 million visitors annually. A Sphere venue would strengthen its position as a year-round destination for entertainment, conventions, dining, and tourism in the broader DMV region.
Part of a Global Expansion Strategy
Sphere Entertainment views the National Harbor project as part of a broader plan to build a global network of Sphere venues. Following the success of the Las Vegas Sphere and the planned venue in Abu Dhabi, the company is developing multiple venue formats to adapt the immersive experience to different markets.
The Las Vegas Sphere was recently ranked as the top-grossing venue worldwide by industry publications, reinforcing confidence in the long-term viability of the concept.
Conditions and Next Steps
The project remains subject to negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, as well as the approval of governmental incentives and permits from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. Construction and operations will proceed only after these conditions are met.
