Sphere Entertainment Co. has announced plans to develop a new Sphere venue at National Harbor in Maryland, marking what would become the second U.S. location for the immersive entertainment concept and the first to utilize a smaller-scale design model. The announcement was made in partnership with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, according to a joint press release issued Sunday.
If approved, the National Harbor project would represent a significant expansion of Sphere Entertainment’s footprint beyond Las Vegas, where the original Sphere has quickly become one of the most talked-about — and highest-grossing — venues in the live entertainment industry. The Las Vegas Sphere was recently ranked No. 1 worldwide on Billboard and Pollstar’s 2025 lists of top-grossing venues.
The proposed Maryland venue would seat approximately 6,000 fans, a notable reduction from the 17,500-seat capacity of the Las Vegas Sphere, but would retain the same core technology that defines the brand. Plans call for a 16K-by-16K interior LED display — billed as the world’s highest-resolution screen — along with immersive sound, haptic seating, 4D environmental effects, and an exterior “Exosphere” LED display capable of showcasing large-scale artistic and branded content.
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment Co., said the National Harbor project aligns with the company’s broader vision of creating a global network of Spheres across major markets. “Sphere is a new experiential medium,” Dolan said, noting the potential for the venue to elevate immersive entertainment offerings in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
From a business and policy standpoint, the project carries substantial public investment implications. The development would rely on a mix of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. Supporters say the venue would generate significant economic impact, with estimates projecting more than $1 billion annually once operational. Construction is expected to support roughly 2,500 jobs, with an additional 4,750 jobs tied to ongoing operations.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore described the Sphere proposal as one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history, while County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy framed the deal as a major win in attracting world-class entertainment destinations to the region.
The venue would be developed at National Harbor, a waterfront destination located about 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., that already draws more than 15 million visitors annually. Backers argue that Sphere’s year-round programming — including concerts, original Sphere Experiences, and brand events — would further strengthen the area’s appeal as a regional tourism and entertainment hub.
For the live entertainment and ticketing industries, the announcement is another signal that Sphere Entertainment is looking to scale its concept beyond a single mega-venue. The company has already announced plans for a Sphere in Abu Dhabi, and the smaller-capacity National Harbor design could open the door for additional installations in other major markets where a full-scale Las Vegas-style Sphere may not be feasible.
However, the project is not yet a done deal. Any construction or operation of a Sphere at National Harbor remains contingent on final agreements, as well as securing required approvals and incentives from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.
If those hurdles are cleared, the National Harbor Sphere would not only reshape the local entertainment landscape, but also provide a closely watched test case for how immersive, technology-driven venues can be adapted to smaller capacities — and whether they can replicate the demand and ticketing success seen in Las Vegas.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.ticketnews.com ’
