The company behind the Sphere venue in Las Vegas has shared plans for its first small-scale Sphere in the United States.
In collaboration with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County and Peterson Companies, Sphere Entertainment intends to develop a ‘mini Sphere’ at National Harbor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The model, which is set to feature an Exosphere – the exterior LED display – will have a capacity of 6,000 seats compared to the 17,600-seater Las Vegas venue, which opened in September 2023. Subject to approval, it will be the second Sphere in the US and the first to utilize a smaller-scale design model.
A full-scale replica is also in the works for Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, while plans to build a Sphere in London were scrapped in 2024, following Mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to block construction over concerns about its potential “negative impact on residents.”
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities”
JAMES DOLAN, SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT
James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO Sphere Entertainment, said: “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities. 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.”
The proposed National Harbor scheme would feature a 16K x 16K interior display plane – the world’s highest-resolution LED screen – with all of Sphere’s advanced technologies to be incorporated.
Developers expect the venue to become a “major, year round draw” thanks to offering “an array of immersive experiences, including original Sphere Experiences, concerts, and brand events”.
The project would utilize a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. Sphere would support approximately 2,500 jobs during the construction phase, and 4,750 jobs once operational. Once open, the economic impact of Sphere National Harbor is projected to exceed $1 billion annually.
“We are excited to partner with Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County to bring a Sphere to National Harbor,” said Jon Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of real estate developer the Peterson Companies.
“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.”
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