Maryland state and county officials announced plans this month to bring a scaled-down version of the high-tech Sphere entertainment venue to National Harbor, a move they say will fuel economic growth and cultural activity in the Washington metropolitan area.
The project, a 6,000-seat spherical venue similar in design to the iconic Las Vegas Sphere, would be the second in the United States and the first on the East Coast. The announcement came in a joint statement from Sphere Entertainment Co., the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County and developer Peterson Companies.
Officials say the venue, envisioned as a year-round draw for concerts, immersive shows and brand events, could generate more than $1 billion in annual economic impact and support nearly 7,250 jobs, roughly 2,500 during construction and about 4,750 once operational.
“It’s a world-class win for Prince George’s County,” County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy said in the release, noting the project will “elevate” National Harbor’s profile as an entertainment and tourism hub.
Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., National Harbor already draws more than 15 million visitors annually with its mix of hotels, dining, gaming and convention facilities, including the MGM National Harbor resort.
Supporters Point to Jobs, Regional Appeal
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and project backers have framed the Sphere as one of the largest economic development initiatives in county history, saying it will create jobs, expand tourism and enhance the region’s cultural offerings. Sphere Entertainment CEO James L. Dolan described the concept as a “new experiential medium” that leverages cutting-edge visual, audio and interactive technology.
Jon Peterson, chief executive of Peterson Companies, said the venue will reinforce National Harbor’s status as a premier destination for conventions, entertainment, retail and hospitality.
Supporters also note the project comes after a string of economic setbacks for the county, including the departure of the Washington Commanders’ home stadium and the closure of Six Flags in November 2025.
Skepticism and Concerns from Neighbors
Despite broad official enthusiasm, some community members and analysts urge caution. Local residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic, infrastructure strain and the visual impact of the Sphere’s massive exterior LED displays. “How are we going to handle the traffic?” one nearby resident told reporters, while another described worries about constantly illuminated displays. (WJLA)
Opinion writers and outside analysts have also questioned the wisdom of committing public incentives to the project, especially at a time when the state faces budget pressures. Some critics have pointed to mixed results from publicly subsidized development projects in other states and argue that projected economic figures may be optimistic. (The Washington Post)
Funding and Next Steps
The project, as currently envisioned, would use a mix of public and private funding, including about $200 million in state, local and private incentives. Final construction, financing and operations remain contingent on negotiations, government approvals and definitive agreements.
There’s no official timeline yet for construction or opening, but officials have previously suggested the venue could be operational by 2030 if all approvals are secured.
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