Sphere Arrives at National Harbor Maryland in Washington D.C.
Sphere Entertainment is expanding its footprint in the United States with a new venue at National Harbor, Maryland. This collaboration involves the state of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies. The upcoming Sphere will be a “smaller-scale” version of its Las Vegas counterpart.
Details of the National Harbor Sphere
The planned venue will feature 6,000 seats, significantly fewer than the 18,600 available at the Las Vegas Sphere. Although smaller, it will maintain the distinct exterior design known as the “Exosphere.” Inside, visitors can expect “the world’s highest-resolution LED screen.”
The project will be supported by a mix of public and private funding, which includes around $200 million in incentives from state and local sources.
Significance and Expectations
- The National Harbor Sphere represents a major economic development opportunity for Prince George’s County.
- Governor Wes Moore highlighted the project as one of the largest in the county’s history.
- The Sphere is poised to enhance tourism and provide innovative experiences for residents and visitors alike.
James Dolan, the executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, stated, “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities.”
National Harbor is already a well-known tourism destination. It features attractions like The Capital Wheel, a large Ferris wheel offering views of Washington D.C., and an MGM Grand casino.
Comparative Analysis of Spheres
The National Harbor location will be the third Sphere worldwide, following the original in Las Vegas and another currently under construction in Abu Dhabi. The Las Vegas Sphere has become renowned for its concerts and unique programming, such as a remastered version of The Wizard of Oz and the documentary film Postcard From Earth.
While the Maryland venue will adopt a similar operational model, it will do so on a smaller scale, tailored to fit the regional context.
The expectation is that the National Harbor Sphere will not only attract tourists but also elevate Maryland’s status as a premier entertainment hub.
