Second Sphere Coming to the East Coast: National Harbor’s High-Tech Venue

Maryland is about to get a taste of next-level entertainment, as Sphere Entertainment announces a second U.S. venue at National Harbor.

A Smaller Sphere, Still Packed With Big-Time Tech

Unlike its Vegas counterpart, which seats nearly 19,000 fans, the National Harbor venue will take a “smaller-scale” approach with 6,000 seats. Still, it will pack all of Sphere’s signature high-tech features, including a massive interior LED display billed as the world’s highest-resolution screen, immersive sound systems, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects. On the outside, the venue will boast the distinctive “Exosphere,” a globe-like LED façade capable of displaying artistic, branded, and promotional content.

“This is more than a building — it’s a new experiential medium,” said James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities.” Dolan’s portfolio is already extensive, including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the Knicks and Rangers franchises, but the Sphere continues to push the envelope in entertainment technology.

The project is being developed in partnership with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies. Around $200 million in public and private incentives will support the construction, which is contingent on final government approvals. National Harbor, a tourism hotspot drawing over 15 million visitors annually, is already home to attractions like the MGM Grand, The Capital Wheel, and a range of dining and convention options. Officials see the Sphere as a major economic driver, projecting thousands of construction jobs and several thousand more once the venue opens, as well as millions in new revenue for the county and state.

What Fans Can Expect, & How It Fits Into Sphere’s Global Expansion

Governor Wes Moore called it “one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history,” while County Executive Aisha Braveboy praised it as a “world-class win” for the region. Jon Peterson, CEO of Peterson Companies, said the Sphere would reinforce National Harbor’s status as a top destination for entertainment, conventions, and tourism.

The National Harbor Sphere will follow the model of its Las Vegas sibling, offering original immersive productions, concerts, and branded events year-round. It is also the third planned Sphere worldwide, with a full-scale venue under construction in Abu Dhabi as Sphere Entertainment continues its push to establish a global network of next-generation entertainment destinations.

While smaller than the original, the National Harbor Sphere promises to deliver the same cutting-edge technology, artistic spectacle, and economic impact, all just a short drive from the nation’s capital.

Alex Warren

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