Second U.S. Sphere Announced Near Washington D.C. With 6,000-Seat Venue

Sphere Entertainment confirms plans for a smaller-scale immersive venue in Maryland, expanding its global vision beyond Las Vegas
 

Sphere Entertainment plans a new US Sphere near Washington D.C.

Sphere Entertainment, the company behind the iconic Las Vegas Sphere, has officially announced plans to open a second Sphere venue in the United States. The new project will be located at National Harbor, just outside Washington D.C., and will mark the first smaller-scale Sphere to be developed in the country.

Designed as a more compact version of its Nevada counterpart, the Washington D.C. Sphere will feature a capacity of approximately 6,000 seats, compared to the 20,000-seat Las Vegas Sphere that opened in 2023. Despite the reduced size, developers promise the same cutting-edge immersive technology that made the original venue a global landmark.

Cutting-edge technology remains central to the Sphere experience

According to Sphere Entertainment, the National Harbor venue will incorporate all of the brand’s signature innovations. These include the massive LED Exosphere exterior, a 16K-resolution wraparound interior display, haptic seating, and advanced 4D environmental effects designed to fully immerse audiences in live music, audiovisual shows, and branded experiences.

“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. “Sphere is a new experiential medium.”

The venue is expected to host concerts, original Sphere Experiences, and large-scale events, positioning it as a year-round destination for entertainment and culture in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

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Investment, jobs, and economic impact in Maryland

The Washington D.C. Sphere project is estimated to cost around $200 million, supported by a combination of private investment and public funding. State and county officials have pledged incentives and tax breaks, although the agreement still requires legislative approval amid Maryland’s current $1.4 billion budget deficit.

If approved, Sphere Entertainment projects the development will create approximately 2,500 jobs during construction and 4,750 permanent positions once operational. The company also forecasts an annual economic impact of up to $1 billion for Maryland and Prince George’s County.

“This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history,” said Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland. “We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.”

Part of a broader global expansion strategy

The Maryland project is part of Sphere Entertainment’s wider plan to establish a global network of immersive venues. In October 2024, the company confirmed plans for another full-scale Sphere in Abu Dhabi, developed in partnership with local authorities.

Not all expansion efforts have moved forward. A proposed Sphere in London, planned for Stratford by Madison Square Garden Entertainment, was officially rejected in January 2024 following concerns from Hackney Council regarding potential light pollution.

While Sphere Entertainment has not yet confirmed a construction start date or opening timeline for the Washington D.C. Sphere, the announcement signals a strong commitment to scaling the concept into new markets. If approved, the National Harbor Sphere will become the second Sphere venue in the US and the first to showcase the company’s smaller, more flexible design model.