Sphere Entertainment Co. has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a second Sphere venue in the United States, selecting National Harbor in Maryland as the site for its first ever “smaller-scale” design. The announcement details a collaboration between Sphere Entertainment, the Peterson Companies, and Maryland state officials to bring the immersive entertainment hub to the waterfront district just outside Washington, D.C.
While the original Las Vegas Sphere boasts a massive 20,000-person capacity, this new iteration is designed to be more intimate. The Maryland venue will seat approximately 6,000 guests, making it roughly a third of the size of its Nevada counterpart. Despite the reduced scale, developers promise it will not compromise on technology. The venue is set to feature the signature “Exosphere” exterior LED display, a 16K x 16K interior LED screen, and the same haptic seating and immersive sound systems that defined the original.
The project represents a significant investment in Prince George’s County. Preliminary estimates suggest the construction will cost over $1 billion (USD), with the state and local governments offering around $200 million in incentives to secure the deal. Officials project the venue will generate more than $1 billion in annual economic activity once operational, creating thousands of jobs during both the construction and operation phases.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore described the initiative as one of the largest economic development projects in the county’s history. The venue is intended to host a variety of events, including original Sphere experiences, concerts, and corporate functions. While a specific opening date has not been finalised, early reports suggest a potential launch around 2030.
