Key Takeaways
- A second Sphere venue is coming to the Washington D.C. metro area, specifically to National Harbor in Maryland
- The new Sphere will have a 6,000-seat capacity, making it smaller than the 18,600-seat Las Vegas Sphere
- The project will receive approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives
- The venue will feature a distinct "Exosphere" exterior and the world’s highest-resolution LED screen interior
- The National Harbor Sphere is the third planned version of the venue, following the Las Vegas original and another under construction in Abu Dhabi
Introduction to the New Sphere Venue
America is set to welcome its second Sphere venue, with the new location slated to open in the Washington D.C. metro area. Specifically, the venue will be built at National Harbor, a major tourism destination in Maryland. Sphere Entertainment, the company behind the iconic Las Vegas landmark, has inked a deal with the state of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies to develop and build the new Sphere. This exciting announcement marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the Sphere brand, which has already made a name for itself as a premier entertainment destination in Las Vegas.
Design and Features of the New Sphere
The new Sphere venue in National Harbor will have a 6,000-seat capacity, making it smaller than the 18,600-seat Las Vegas Sphere. However, despite its smaller size, the venue will still boast the distinctive "Exosphere" that defines the exterior of the original Sphere, as well as a state-of-the-art interior theater featuring the world’s highest-resolution LED screen. A rendering released by the company shows the Sphere located close to the Potomac River, near the existing MGM Grand casino. The unique design and cutting-edge technology of the Sphere are sure to make it a standout attraction in the National Harbor area.
Partnership and Funding
The project will be financed with a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. This significant investment underscores the confidence that local authorities have in the potential of the Sphere to drive economic growth and tourism in the area. James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, emphasized the company’s focus on creating a global network of Spheres in forward-looking cities, and expressed his excitement about the opportunity to bring innovative experiences to residents and visitors in the National Harbor area.
Reaction from Local Authorities
Local authorities have welcomed the announcement, with Governor Wes Moore expressing his enthusiasm for the project and highlighting its potential to elevate and advance immersive experiences in the area. Moore noted that Maryland has a long history of providing world-class entertainment, and that the Sphere project will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history. The governor’s comments reflect the optimism and excitement that the Sphere project has generated among local stakeholders, who see it as a major opportunity to showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to visitors from around the world.
The Sphere’s Business Model
The Sphere in Las Vegas has established itself as a major tourist attraction, with a diverse range of programming that includes concerts, residencies, and daily shows. The venue’s success is likely to be replicated in National Harbor, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. The Maryland Sphere will likely follow a similar strategy, offering a mix of entertainment options that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. With its unique design and cutting-edge technology, the Sphere is well-positioned to become a must-visit destination in the National Harbor area, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.
National Harbor as a Tourism Destination
National Harbor is already a popular tourism destination, with attractions like The Capital Wheel, a giant ferris wheel with stunning views of D.C., and the MGM Grand casino. The addition of the Sphere will further enhance the area’s appeal, providing visitors with an exciting new entertainment option that showcases the latest in technology and innovation. The Sphere’s location in National Harbor will also provide a boost to local businesses, with the potential to drive economic growth and job creation in the area.
Global Expansion of the Sphere Brand
The National Harbor Sphere is the third planned version of the venue, following the Las Vegas original and another under construction in Abu Dhabi. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of the Sphere brand, which has established itself as a leader in the entertainment industry. As the company continues to expand its global network of Spheres, it is likely that we will see more announcements about new locations in the future. With its unique blend of technology, entertainment, and innovation, the Sphere is poised to become a major player in the global entertainment industry, with a presence in cities around the world.
