Key Takeaways
- A proposal has been announced for a 6,000-seat Sphere Entertainment venue in Maryland, which would be a smaller version of the 17,600-seat Sphere in Las Vegas.
- The venue would be located in National Harbor, Maryland, and would feature advanced technologies such as an LED display, immersive sound system, haptic seating, and 4D effects.
- The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including the creation of 2,500 jobs during construction and nearly 4,750 jobs once operational, with a projected annual economic impact of over $1 billion.
- The proposal is pending definitive agreements, government incentives, and approvals from the state and county.
- The Sphere would host concerts, brand events, and other immersive experiences, and would be part of a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities.
Introduction to the Proposal
A proposal has been announced by the governor’s office for a Sphere Entertainment venue to be built in Maryland. The 6,000-seat venue would be a smaller-scale version of the 17,600-seat Sphere that opened in Las Vegas in 2023. According to the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, the addition of the Sphere would create a new Maryland landmark that drives significant economic, cultural, and community benefits for the county, state, and region. The venue would provide unparalleled immersive experiences powered by advanced technologies, making it a unique attraction for the area.
Location and Features of the Venue
The proposed Sphere would be located in National Harbor, Maryland, an area about 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., known as an entertainment district. The sphere in Maryland would feature an LED display around the exterior that would show both artistic and branded content. Inside, the venue would have a 16K by 16K interior display, an immersive sound system, haptic seating, and 4D effects. The Sphere would host concerts, brand events, and other immersive experiences, according to the proposal. The combination of these advanced technologies would create a truly immersive experience for visitors, making it a must-visit destination in the region.
Economic Impact of the Project
The proposal outlines the significant economic benefits that the Sphere project would bring to the area. The construction of the venue would generate about 2,500 jobs, and once operational, the Sphere would support nearly 4,750 jobs. The projected economic impact is more than $1 billion annually, making it one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history. Governor Wes Moore stated that this project would prove once again that Maryland is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life, and that it would showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits. The economic benefits of the project would have a positive impact on the local community, creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth.
Timeline and Funding
The timeline for the project is unclear, as it is pending definitive agreements, government incentives, and approvals from the state and county. The proposal outlines that the project would use public and private funding, including $200 million in private incentives. The use of public and private funding would ensure that the project is financially viable and would minimize the risk of delays or cost overruns. The company is committed to working with the state and county to secure the necessary approvals and funding to bring the project to fruition.
Global Network of Spheres
The Sphere in Maryland would be part of a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities. Another Sphere venue is also being planned in Abu Dhabi, according to the company. The CEO and Executive Chairman of Sphere Entertainment, James Dolan, stated that the company’s focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres, and that Sphere is a new experiential medium. The global network of Spheres would provide a unique opportunity for artists, brands, and event organizers to reach a global audience, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposal for a Sphere Entertainment venue in Maryland has the potential to bring significant economic, cultural, and community benefits to the area. The venue would provide unparalleled immersive experiences powered by advanced technologies, making it a unique attraction for the region. The economic benefits of the project would have a positive impact on the local community, creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth. With the company’s commitment to creating a global network of Spheres, the Sphere in Maryland would be part of a larger initiative to provide innovative and immersive experiences to audiences around the world.
