Key Takeaways:
- Sphere Entertainment Co. is developing a second U.S. Sphere venue on the east coast, located at National Harbor in Maryland.
- The project will receive approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives.
- The venue will feature 6,000 seats, an Exosphere exterior LED display, a 16K x 16K interior display screen, and advanced sound and seating technology.
- The project is expected to support approximately 2,500 jobs during construction and 4,750 jobs once operational, with an estimated annual economic impact of over $1 billion.
- The venue is expected to further establish National Harbor as a premier destination in the national capital region.
Introduction to Sphere Entertainment Co.’s Expansion
Sphere Entertainment Co. has announced plans to develop a second U.S. Sphere venue on the east coast, with the first small-scale Sphere to be located at National Harbor in Maryland. This project is a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion, with a focus on creating a network of Spheres across forward-looking cities. According to James L. Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Sphere Entertainment, "Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities. Sphere is a new experiential medium." This statement highlights the company’s vision for its Sphere venues, which aim to provide immersive and interactive experiences for audiences.
The Proposed Venue and Its Features
The proposed venue at National Harbor will feature 6,000 seats, an Exosphere exterior LED display, a 16K x 16K interior display screen, Sphere Immersive Sound technology, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects. These cutting-edge features will provide a unique and engaging experience for visitors, setting a new standard for entertainment venues. The Exosphere exterior LED display will be a striking feature, providing a dynamic and interactive exterior that will attract visitors from afar. The 16K x 16K interior display screen will offer an immersive visual experience, while the Sphere Immersive Sound technology and haptic seating will further enhance the overall experience.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The project is expected to have a significant economic impact, with officials projecting that it will exceed $1 billion annually once the venue opens. The construction phase is expected to support approximately 2,500 jobs, while the operational phase will support around 4,750 jobs. This will make it one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history, as stated by Governor Wes Moore. The venue’s location at National Harbor, which attracts over 15 million visitors annually, will further boost the local economy and establish the area as a premier destination for entertainment and tourism.
National Harbor as a Premier Destination
National Harbor, located 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., is already a popular destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The waterfront destination offers a range of entertainment, dining, retail, gaming, and convention facilities, making it an ideal location for the new Sphere venue. According to Jon Peterson, chief executive officer of Peterson Companies, "This innovative project will further reinforce National Harbor as the national capital region’s premier destination." The addition of the Sphere venue will enhance the area’s appeal, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors and further establishing National Harbor as a must-visit destination.
Global Expansion and Future Plans
Sphere Entertainment Co. has a planned venue in Abu Dhabi as part of its global expansion, in addition to the Las Vegas Sphere, which was recently ranked number one on Billboard’s and Pollstar’s 2025 lists of top-grossing venues worldwide. The company’s focus on creating a global network of Spheres demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative and immersive experiences for audiences worldwide. As the company finalizes agreements with Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland, a timeline for construction, development, financing, and operation will be announced, marking the next step in the development of this exciting new venue.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the development of a second U.S. Sphere venue on the east coast is a significant milestone for Sphere Entertainment Co. The proposed venue at National Harbor in Maryland will provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, with its cutting-edge features and technology. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact, supporting thousands of jobs and generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. As the company continues to expand globally, it will be exciting to see the impact of its innovative venues on the entertainment and tourism industries. With its focus on creating immersive and interactive experiences, Sphere Entertainment Co. is poised to revolutionize the way we experience entertainment, and its future plans will be closely watched by industry experts and enthusiasts alike.
