Sphere Entertainment has announced plans to open its second venue in the United States.
On Sunday (Jan. 18), the company behind Las Vegas’ state-of-the-art, orb-shaped Sphere revealed it will build a smaller-scale version at National Harbor in Maryland, a major tourism destination just outside Washington, D.C.
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said in a statement.
The proposed 6,000-seat venue in Prince George’s County would be the second Sphere location in the U.S., compared with 18,600 seats at the Las Vegas Sphere. While smaller, the new venue will feature an exterior “Exosphere” LED display, which the company calls the “world’s highest-resolution LED screen.”
The project — a partnership with the state of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies — will be funded through a combination of public and private investment, including roughly $200 million in state, local and private incentives. Once open, it’s projected to host year-round entertainment and generate $1 billion annually.
“Sphere is a new experiential medium,” Dolan added. “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.”
The upcoming Sphere in Maryland is the third planned location, following the original venue in Las Vegas and another currently under construction in Abu Dhabi.
Since opening in 2023, the Las Vegas Sphere has hosted a star-studded lineup of musical acts, including U2, Phish and Eagles, as well as immersive productions like a new adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The venue ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Venue chart for buildings with a capacity of 15,000 or more, grossing $370 million from 105 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore.
