Plans for 6,000-Seat Sphere Announced After Success of Las Vegas Attraction — and It's Not Coming to Florida or California
- - Plans for 6,000-Seat Sphere Announced After Success of Las Vegas Attraction — and It's Not Coming to Florida or California
Escher WalcottJanuary 21, 2026 at 1:20 AM
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Sphere Entertainment and Peterson Companies
Sphere National Harbor -
On Monday, Jan. 18, Sphere Entertainment announced it's developing a new Sphere venue in National Harbor, Maryland
The new Sphere is expected to make around 2,500 jobs during the construction phase and 4,750 jobs once operational
U2, The Backstreet Boys and The Eagles are among the stars who've performed at their first venue in Las Vegas
A second U.S. Sphere venue is set to open in a popular tourist destination.
On Monday, Jan. 18, Sphere Entertainment announced in a news release that National Harbor, Maryland, will become the second location to host a venue of its kind in the U.S., following the first in Las Vegas. The smaller-scale design model in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is set to offer an array of immersive experiences, concerts, and brand events.
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman of Sphere Entertainment, per the news release.
“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," Dolan added.
Sphere Entertainment
Sphere National Harbor
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The new Sphere is located 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., at the National Harbor— a destination visited by more than 15 million people annually.
The venue is being built with public and private funding of $200 million and is expected to be “one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history." Approximately 2,500 jobs will be created during the construction phase and 4,750 jobs once operational, according to Sphere Entertainment.
The Sphere at National Harbor will have 6,000 seats and feature an Exosphere – the exterior LED display of Sphere that is also displayed on the outside of the Sphere in Las Vegas — the world’s highest-resolution 16K x 16K interior LED screen, Sphere Immersive Sound and 4D environmental effects.
The landmark in Las Vegas, which opened in September 2023, has a capacity for up to 20,000 guests. Several stars have performed at the location since its launch, including U2 and Backstreet Boys, while No Doubt is set to reunite at the venue in May.
Getty
The Sphere in Las Vegas
The economic impact of the Sphere National Harbor is expected to be "greater than $1 billion annually," according to Sphere Entertainment.
“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,” said Jon Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterson Companies.
The announcement comes as a Sphere venue is under construction in Abu Dhabi, per The Hollywood Reporter.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
