Sphere Entertainment Co. is planning to develop a new Sphere venue at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, marking the company’s second Sphere location in the United States and the first to use a smaller-scale design model.

The proposed project was announced on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The parties involved in this project include Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and developer Peterson Companies. Once constructed, this arena will be situated in National Harbor, which is a popular tourism area about 15 minutes south of Washington D.C.

Capacity

The new Sphere would have a capacity to seat 6,000 people, which is relatively small compared to the Las Vegas Sphere, and would mark the first use of the reduced-capacity venue format. The new format was designed to allow the company to enter new markets while maintaining the immersive technology.

Economic Impact

According to the press release, the project will employ a combination of public and private financing, with state, local, and private incentives valued at approximately $200 million. The project is expected to generate 2,500 construction-related employment opportunities as well as 4,750 permanent employment opportunities when completed. Annual economic impact is expected to surpass $1 billion, but these figures are not independently verified.

It now draws over 15 million visitors every year and offers hotels, meeting facilities, retail, dining, and gaming options. Adding to this mix will be a Sphere entertainment destination with concerts, original Sphere productions, and branded events.

Features

According to Sphere Entertainment, this new location will feature the Exosphere exterior LED wall, as well as an interior LED screen with a resolution of 16K by 16K, immersive audio, haptic seating, and environmental effects comparable to those in its Las Vegas location.

Sphere in Las Vegas has been one of the top-grossing venues in the world according to Billboard and Pollstar rankings, and the company has already announced plans for another Sphere arena in Abu Dhabi as part of its expansion plans.

The Maryland project is also subject to final agreements and approvals for public incentives and other government authorizations from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.

The project reflects a broader trend of states and municipalities backing entertainment-led developments to boost tourism and employment, a strategy also seen in projects such as The EDGE development in Boonville, Indiana.

Sphere Entertainment Proposed Venue at National Harbor: Project Factsheet

Project Overview

Development of a new Sphere entertainment venue at National Harbor, Maryland – the second Sphere in the United States and the first to utilize a smaller-scale design model.

Location

National Harbor, Prince George’s County, Maryland (15 minutes from Washington, D.C.)

Venue Specifications

Capacity: 6,000 seats

Exosphere: Exterior LED display for artistic and branded content

Interior Display: 16K x 16K resolution LED screen (world’s highest-resolution)

Technology Features: Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating, 4D environmental effects

Programming

Original Sphere Experiences

Concerts and live performances

Brand events and activations

Economic Impact

Total Annual Impact: Expected to exceed $1 billion once operational

Construction Jobs: Approximately 2,500

Operational Jobs: 4,750

Funding: Combination of public and private sources, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives

Project Partners

Sphere Entertainment Co.

State of Maryland

Prince George’s County

Peterson Companies

Timeline & Status

Announcement Date: January 18, 2026

Status: Intent to develop (pending definitive agreements, governmental incentives, and approvals)