At a Glance
- Sphere Entertainment will build a 6,000-seat immersive venue in National Harbor, Maryland
- The $200 million project is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 4,750 permanent positions
- Annual economic impact is projected to exceed $1 billion
- Why it matters: The development positions the Washington, D.C. region as a top-tier entertainment and tourism hub
Sphere Entertainment is doubling down on its bet that giant, high-tech domes are the future of live entertainment. On Monday, Jan. 18, the company announced plans for a second U.S. Sphere venue in National Harbor, Maryland-its first since launching the flagship in Las Vegas.
Location & Scope
The new venue will rise 15 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., within the National Harbor complex, a waterfront destination that draws more than 15 million visitors each year. The site was chosen for its proximity to a major metropolitan area and an established tourism base.
Key specs:
- 6,000 seats, making it roughly one-third the capacity of the 20,000-seat Las Vegas Sphere
- Exosphere LED exterior wrap, replicating the Vegas icon’s programmable skin
- 16K x 16K interior LED screen, billed as the world’s highest-resolution display
- Sphere Immersive Sound system and 4-D environmental effects
Economic Impact
The project carries a $200 million price tag funded through a mix of public and private dollars. According to Sphere Entertainment, the build will rank among the largest economic-development efforts in Prince George’s County history.
Job creation timeline:
- Construction phase: 2,500 jobs
- Operational phase: 4,750 permanent positions
- Annual economic injection: More than $1 billion once open
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman of Sphere Entertainment, framed the expansion as part of a broader vision: “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities.”
Maryland leadership embraced the pitch. In the same release, Dolan praised Governor Moore, County Executive Braveboy, and state and county agencies for recognizing “the potential for a Sphere at National Harbor to elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.”
What Guests Can Expect
While Las Vegas hosts blockbuster residencies-U2, Backstreet Boys, and The Eagles have already played the Strip venue-the Maryland dome is being marketed as a multi-purpose facility. Programming will include:
- Immersive art and cinematic experiences
- Touring concerts
- Corporate brand activations
- Private events
The Vegas location, which opened in September 2023, proved the concept can sell out shows and generate global media attention. No Doubt will reunite on that stage in May, keeping the property in headlines.
Global Expansion
The National Harbor announcement lands as another Sphere rises overseas. Construction is already under way in Abu Dhabi, signaling the company’s intent to turn the brand into a worldwide franchise.
Jon Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterson Companies, which develops and operates National Harbor, cast the project as a regional game-changer: “This innovative project will further reinforce National Harbor as the national capital region’s premier destination for conventions, entertainment, retail and dining, and hospitality; deliver more economic activity and jobs; and elevate National Harbor and Maryland as one of the country’s preeminent tourism and entertainment hubs.”
Key Takeaways
- Scale-down strategy: The 6,000-seat model targets mid-sized markets without sacrificing signature tech features
- Public-private backing: A $200 million investment underscores confidence in experiential venues post-pandemic
- Job surge: Nearly 7,300 total positions are tied to the development
- Tourism boost: Projections of $1 billion-plus annual impact could reshape Maryland’s leisure economy
- Brand momentum: With Abu Dhabi under construction and Maryland now announced, Sphere Entertainment is accelerating its global rollout
