Sphere Entertainment Plans Second U.S. Location in Maryland
Image: Sphere Entertainment and Peterson Companies
(eap) Sphere Entertainment, together with the U.S. state of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and the real estate development company Peterson Companies, has presented plans for a Sphere entertainment destination. This is to be built in the National Harbor leisure and convention district in the wider Washington D.C. metropolitan area and would thus represent the second Sphere location in the United States following the opening of the world’s first MSG Sphere in Las Vegas in 2023. At the same time, it is planned to be the first smaller model of the spherical event venue.
“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 Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Jon Peterson, CEO of Peterson Companies, added: “This innovative project will further reinforce National Harbor as the national capital region’s premier destination for conventions, entertainment, retail and dining, and hospitality; deliver more economic activity and jobs; and elevate National Harbor, and Maryland, as one of the country’s preeminent tourism and entertainment hubs.”
Image: Sphere Entertainment
The planned Sphere building for National Harbor is to have a capacity of 6,000 seats. Planned – like the model in Las Vegas – is an “Exosphere” – a media-capable exterior shell on which artistic as well as brand-related content can be presented. Inside, a 16K x 16K LED screen is planned, complemented by the “Sphere Immersive Sound” system and 4D environmental effects.
The new entertainment destination is to be financed through a combination of public and private funds, including around USD 200 million in state, local, and private incentives. During the construction phase, approximately 2,500 jobs are expected, with around 4,750 positions to be secured after opening. The annual economic impact of Sphere National Harbor is estimated at more than USD 1 billion.
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said the goal is to create a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities. In addition to Maryland, another location for Abu Dhabi is already in development.
However, the actual start of construction as well as the financing and operation of the planned Sphere venue in National Harbor still depend on the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, as well as on the receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. ■
