Residents and visitors to National Harbor, Maryland, are getting a smaller-scale version of Las Vegas’ Sphere entertainment venue, known for its immense LED exterior display, the Exosphere.
The forthcoming Maryland location in Prince George’s County will be the second Sphere in the United States. Notably, the area is the second-most-wealthy majority-Black county in the country, following neighboring Charles County, also in Maryland.
At Sphere National Harbor, visitors and locals can expect a year-round attraction hosting concerts, Sphere Experiences, and more. The exterior will display its own Exosphere, and the interior venue will have 6,000 seats, Sphere Immersive Sound, and “4D environmental effects.”
A press release issued by the state of Maryland noted that Sphere’s arrival is expected to usher in “significant economic, cultural, and community benefits.” Governor Wes Moore highlighted in a statement that Sphere National Harbor “will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history.” Construction will create around 2,500 jobs, and once operational, planners anticipate Sphere will have 4,750 roles to fill in Maryland. Additionally, the venue’s economic impact is expected to pull in over $1 billion annually.
Money for the project will be raised via public and private funding.
What Else Is There To Know About Sphere National Harbor In Maryland?
National Harbor is an entertainment, dining, and shopping destination about 15 minutes from the nation’s capital and Northern Virginia, respectively. With views of the Potomac River, the area features an MGM hotel and casino, a carousel, an outlet mall, boutique shops, restaurants, and an evolving schedule of events.
Maryland’s press release for Sphere National Harbor has not yet been fully cleared. The statement noted that the project’s continuation is “contingent upon, among other things, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements. Also included, receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals” from Prince George’s County and Maryland itself.
In a statement, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment, James L. Dolan, said that there may be more Sphere venues popping up in the future.
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said Dolan. “Sphere is a new experiential medium. With a commitment to bringing innovative opportunities to residents and visitors, Governor Moore, County Executive Braveboy, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County recognize the potential for a Sphere at National Harbor to elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.”
