Sphere Venue Planned for National Harbor in Maryland

Planned 6,000-seat Sphere venue at National Harbor aims to boost Maryland tourism, jobs, and economic growth with $1B+ in impact.

January 21, 2026

Nina Dale

Sphere Entertainment plans a 6,000-seat Sphere venue at National Harbor in Maryland.
The project will cost over $1B and generate more than $1B in economic impact.
Expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 4,750 permanent jobs.
Development depends on $200M in incentives and voter approval.

Key Takeaways

Sphere Venue to Anchor National Harbor

Sphere Entertainment Co. plans to build a smaller version of its Las Vegas Sphere at Maryland’s National Harbor, reports Bisnow. The project is a partnership with Peterson Cos. and will seat 6,000 people. It will sit next to the MGM National Harbor hotel and casino, expanding the area’s entertainment offerings.

This venue marks the first smaller-scale Sphere concept. It’s designed for concerts, corporate events, and immersive experiences. The project will cost over $1B to develop—about half the price of the Las Vegas Sphere, yet roughly one-third its size, according to company and state officials.

Economic Impact and Incentives

The venue is expected to deliver over $1B in economic impact to Prince George’s County. It will create 2,500 construction jobs and 4,750 permanent positions once open. Developers are requesting $200M in public and private incentives, many of which will require voter approval.

Local leaders see the project as a much-needed win. The county recently lost key employers and saw Six Flags close. Officials say the Sphere and National Harbor combined will continue drawing strong visitor spending and tax revenue. The area already attracts more than 15M visitors annually.

Development Hurdles Remain

Final approval for the project is still pending. The developers must secure major public funding. They may also negotiate a $15M discount for the 8-acre site as part of the plan. Once built, the venue is expected to complement existing attractions and serve as a major economic anchor for the county and state. Investor interest in entertainment venues has been picking up nationwide, with recent acquisitions underscoring continued confidence in these asset types.

National Harbor has been a key economic driver since its 2008 opening. The Sphere would build on that momentum and help raise the region’s profile as a top US destination for entertainment and business events.