The Prince George’s County Council is set to hold a decisive vote Tuesday on the proposed $1.4 billion Sphere entertainment venue planned for National Harbor. The project, which has been in development for several months, aims to bring a 6,000-seat immersive entertainment space to the area, operated by Sphere Entertainment Co., the company behind the renowned Sphere Las Vegas.
Earlier this year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy announced the selection of National Harbor as the site for the second Sphere facility in the United States. The council has already provided initial approval for up to $215 million in special obligation bonds to support the development, with a final vote expected to confirm the funding and move the project forward.
The arena is expected to feature state-of-the-art technology, including high-resolution screens, immersive audio, 4D effects, and a distinctive exterior made up of a spherical LED display capable of showcasing art, advertisements, and other visuals. Paul Macchia, Sphere Entertainment’s senior vice president for government affairs and social impact, highlighted these features during a recent community listening session.
Economic projections released by Prince George’s County estimate that once operational, the Sphere will generate approximately $63 million in annual tax revenues for the county. The broader economic impact is anticipated to exceed $1.5 billion annually across Maryland through visitor spending and operational activities. The project could provide significant employment opportunities, including 1,700 permanent jobs upon opening and more than 3,000 construction jobs during the building phase, many of which are expected to benefit local residents and minority-owned businesses.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of the Sphere in the context of recent economic challenges in Prince George’s County, including the closure of the Six Flags amusement park and the planned relocation of the Washington Commanders football team back to Washington, D.C. The county has also faced setbacks tied to federal job cuts under previous administrations. Braveboy described the development as a vital catalyst for job creation and business growth in the region.
However, labor unions are pressing county leaders to secure stronger worker protections as conditions of the project’s approval. Their demands include the implementation of a project labor agreement that would establish employment standards and benefits for construction workers involved in the Sphere build-out. The council’s upcoming vote will determine whether such provisions are integrated into the final agreement.
If approved, construction is expected to take approximately four years, marking a significant new chapter in entertainment and economic development for Prince George’s County.