Photo Credit: Sphere Entertainment

Sphere Entertainment Co., the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and others have come together with a shared ambition to bring a new venue to the East Coast. According to an official press release, the venue “would be the second in the U.S. and first to utilize a smaller-scale design model.” The state-of-the-art entertainment hub is projected to pop up at National Harbor, located in the vicinity of Washington, D.C.’s metropolitan area. 

The entertainment facility is expected to be a significant draw for the region, capable of elevating the local economy and inspiring community pride driven by the arts and culture. The proposed project would draw on public and private funding, an estimated $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. During construction, approximately 2,500 jobs will be created, and once operational, an expected 4,750 employees will be hired. 

The economic impact of the proposed East Coast entertainment zone would result in an estimated annual income of over $1 billion. The National Harbor location is just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., and the venue is intended to be built along the Potomac River, in an area rich with dining, retail, and other entertainment. 

Sphere at National Harbor would be smaller than the Las Vegas model, with a seated capacity of 6,000. The East Coast Sphere would still feature an Exosphere, an exterior LED lighting system for artistic and branding purposes. Inside, the venue will include the world’s highest-resolution LED screens, a 16K x 16K interior display plane. Other advanced features include the Sphere Immersive Sound system, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects.

“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” says James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment. “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.”

“Maryland has a long history of providing world-class entertainment, and we could not be more excited to work with Sphere Entertainment to bring this cutting-edge project to life,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history – proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life. We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.”