The East Coast is officially getting its first next-generation entertainment venue.

Following a final vote for funding by county officials, plans for Sphere at National Harbor have cleared their last major hurdle. The Prince George’s County Council voted 8-0 to authorize up to $215 million in special obligation bonds toward the roughly $1.4 billion project. Once completed, it will become the second Sphere in the United States and the first smaller-scale version of the venue. Fans can expect the residency model already used at Sphere Las Vegas, with artists performing multiple shows across a run.

Cutting Edge Experience

While it takes inspiration from Sphere Las Vegas, the Maryland venue will have a much smaller capacity. The original Las Vegas venue holds nearly 18,000 seated guests. Sphere at National Harbor will seat approximately 6,000. Despite that difference, Sphere Entertainment Co. plans to bring the same core technology to the new location.

The venue will feature a 16K x 16K interior LED display, spatial audio, haptic seating and 4D environmental effects. Its exterior will also include an Exosphere, the programmable LED display used for artwork, advertising and other visual content. These immersive features will support concerts, cinematic presentations, original Sphere Experiences and other live events.

The location also places the venue within National Harbor, roughly 15 minutes from Washington, D.C. It will sit near MGM National Harbor and other attractions along the Potomac River. The area already attracts millions of visitors each year through its hotels, restaurants, retail and entertainment venues.

Potential Revenue for National Harbor

Beyond entertainment, the project represents a major investment for Prince George’s County and Maryland. An economic impact analysis projects roughly $63 million in annual tax revenue within the county once the venue becomes operational. The same analysis estimates more than $1.3 billion in annual economic activity for Prince George’s County. Another $200 million is expected elsewhere in Maryland.

The project could also support approximately 7,100 full- and part-time positions across Prince George’s County once operations and visitor spending are included. The analysis projects around $1.6 billion in economic benefits for the county from construction, alongside thousands of construction-related jobs.

With final county approval now complete, the project can continue toward construction and its planned opening. Sphere Entertainment expects major construction to begin in 2027, with Sphere at National Harbor currently targeting an opening in 2030.