The construction of the $1.4 billion mega-entertainment facility ‘Sphere’ in National Harbor, Maryland, is gaining momentum.
The Sphere, a massive spherical performance venue, is garnering attention as a new tourist attraction in Las Vegas. Sphere Entertainment Co. plans to build a second Sphere in the United States near the MGM Hotel in National Harbor in partnership with the Maryland state government, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies.
On the 27th, the Prince George’s County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a financial support plan for the construction of the Sphere with 8 votes in favor and 0 against. As a result, the county is now able to issue special bonds worth up to $215 million to support the project and refinance existing bonds.
The facility currently being pursued will have a capacity of approximately 6,000 seats and is planned to be constructed as a smaller structure than the Sphere in Las Vegas. If the project proceeds as planned, it is expected to become a new tourist and performance attraction in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Sphere is a facility that provides audiences with highly immersive performance and video experiences by utilizing ultra-high-resolution LED screens, immersive sound systems, and 4D environmental effects.
The county government projected that once the facility is completed, it will generate approximately $63 million in annual tax revenue through property taxes, sales taxes, and recreation taxes. The economic impact is estimated to reach about $1.3 billion in Prince George’s County and about $1.5 billion in the entire state of Maryland.
This project is also noteworthy as a large-scale development initiative aimed at revitalizing the local economy. The county government plans to increase tourism and boost local commercial activity by attracting the Sphere, while also expanding employment opportunities for local residents.
The schedule for the start of construction for the Sphere has not yet been finalized. Project officials are aiming to begin performances in early 2030.