Key Takeaways:
- A new concert and entertainment venue, Sphere, is planned to be built in National Harbor, Maryland, with a projected 6,000 seats.
- The project is contingent upon approval from the county council and the Maryland General Assembly, with $200 million in public incentives expected from state and local funds.
- The venue is expected to open in 2030, the same year as the completion of RFK Stadium.
- The project is seen as a lucrative opportunity for Prince George’s County, which has recently experienced losses in entertainment venues.
- The Sphere venue in Las Vegas has been a success, with high-profile acts and revenue generation, and the Maryland version is expected to bring similar economic benefits.
Introduction to the Project
The announcement of a new concert and entertainment venue, Sphere, in National Harbor, Maryland, has brought excitement to the region. The project, which is still pending approval, is expected to bring a significant economic boost to Prince George’s County, which has recently experienced losses in entertainment venues. The venue, which will be a smaller version of the Sphere in Las Vegas, is expected to have a projected 6,000 seats and will feature a massive globe with a projection of planet Earth. The project is being hailed as a "world-class win" for the county, and is expected to bring in $200 million in public incentives from state and local funds.
Background on the Venue
The Sphere venue in Las Vegas, which opened in 2023, has been a huge success, with high-profile acts such as U2, Dead and Company, the Eagles, and the Backstreet Boys performing at the venue. The residency of the "Wizard of Oz" show reportedly generated $2 million a day in revenue, as tourists flocked to watch the 1939 film projected onto the 580,000-square-foot geodesic dome. The Maryland version of Sphere will have the same exterior LED display, but will be smaller in scope, with a projected 6,000 seats, about one-third the capacity of the Las Vegas venue.
Reaction from Local Leaders
The announcement of the project has been met with praise from local leaders, including Governor Wes Moore and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Moore has stated that the project will be "one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history," and that it will "prove once again that our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life." Braveboy has called the idea "a world-class win and an incredibly exciting moment for Prince George’s County." Both leaders will need to seek out similar enthusiasm from the county council and the Maryland General Assembly, as the project is contingent upon their approval.
Project Details
The project is expected to open in 2030, the same year as the completion of RFK Stadium. The venue will be located in Lot B outside MGM’s National Harbor Hotel and Casino, overlooking the Potomac River. The digital renderings of the plan show the massive globe with a projection of planet Earth, which will be a unique feature of the venue. The project is expected to bring in significant revenue and create jobs, and is seen as a major opportunity for Prince George’s County to establish itself as a major entertainment destination.
Conclusion
The announcement of the Sphere venue in National Harbor, Maryland, is a significant development for the region, and is expected to bring major economic benefits. The project, which is still pending approval, is seen as a "world-class win" for Prince George’s County, and is expected to establish the county as a major entertainment destination. With its unique features and expected revenue generation, the Sphere venue is expected to be a major success, and will likely have a positive impact on the local economy. As the project moves forward, it will be important to monitor its progress and ensure that it meets the expectations of local leaders and residents.
