Massive $2 Billion Sphere Set to Transform DC—What This Means for You Will SHOCK You!

A new entertainment venue is set to join the ranks of the Washington, D.C. area, as Sphere Entertainment announced plans for a “Mini Sphere” at National Harbor, Maryland. This partnership involves the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, and was unveiled on Sunday night.

The upcoming venue, designed to accommodate approximately 6,000 seats, will be significantly smaller than its counterpart in Las Vegas, which boasts a maximum capacity of 20,000 seats—or around 17,600 for residency productions. Officials from Sphere have indicated that they aim to complete construction by the end of 2030.

Strategically positioned, the Mini Sphere will provide sight lines to the iconic Washington Monument and will be visible to flights arriving and departing from Reagan National Airport. Notably, while the Las Vegas Sphere operates around the clock, the new venue will observe quiet hours at night.

This ambitious $200 million project is dependent on the approval of state and local incentives, which are intended to help fund its development. The partnership anticipates that the venue will generate a remarkable $1 billion annual economic impact for the state, a testament to its potential as a major entertainment hub.

Located adjacent to MGM National Harbor, the Mini Sphere will be nestled within a tourist hotspot that draws approximately 15 million visitors each year. This aligns with the vision of James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, who has expressed aspirations to establish a global network of Spheres in progressive cities. “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” Dolan stated. “Sphere is a new experiential medium.”

Each Mini Sphere will feature the Exosphere, a distinctive exterior LED display that showcases sponsored and artistic video imagery. Inside, attendees will experience the world’s highest-resolution LED screen with a 16K x 16K display alongside Sphere’s advanced technologies, including Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed enthusiasm for the venture, highlighting Maryland's legacy of delivering world-class entertainment. “This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history—proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life,” Moore said in a statement.

The Las Vegas Sphere has already made its mark, ranking No. 1 on both Billboard’s and Pollstar’s 2025 lists of top-grossing venues internationally. Besides the D.C. project, Sphere Entertainment is also planning a venue in Abu Dhabi. However, a proposed Sphere in London was shelved in late 2023, showcasing the challenges of international expansion.

As anticipation builds for the Mini Sphere, local residents and tourists alike are eager to experience the cutting-edge performances and events that this innovative venue promises to deliver, further enhancing the region’s status as a premier destination for entertainment.