It’s Official: New Sphere Venue Coming To Maryland

Sphere National Harbor cleared its final county financing vote on Tuesday, October 27, moving the $1.4 billion Maryland entertainment venue forward. The Prince George’s County Council voted 8-0 to authorize up to $215 million in special obligation bonds supporting the 6,000-seat project and surrounding development.

As WTOP reported, the financing would be repaid through tax revenues generated by the development. The county projects the venue will generate $63 million in annual county tax revenue once operational.

The original Sphere opened in Las Vegas on September 29, 2023 with the launch of U2's U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere residency. The band ultimately played 40 shows at the venue through March 2024. Subsequent runs by Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles brought more concertgoers into the spherical venue, which pairs live performances with visuals displayed across its wraparound interior screen.

Sphere Entertainment announced plans in January for the National Harbor location, south of Washington D.C. along the Potomac River. Developed with Peterson Companies, the project would be the first smaller-scale Sphere, bringing the Las Vegas venue’s technology to a room with substantially fewer seats.

Plans call for an exterior LED display known as the Exosphere, a 16K-by-16K interior display, Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating and 4D environmental effects. Programming would include concerts, original Sphere Experiences and brand events.

The approval followed negotiations over worker protections. According to WTOP, the deal includes a labor peace agreement allowing workers to organize once the venue opens, but excludes the construction labor agreement some council members sought. A community benefits fund has also been established.

A groundbreaking date had not been set as of Tuesday’s vote. Officials have targeted early 2030 for the venue to begin hosting shows.