Sphere Entertainment Announces New Venue at National Harbor

Published on January 20, 2026

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The Sphere Entertainment venues with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, is developing Maryland’s National Harbor Sphere. National Harbor will be the second Sphere location in the United States, and the first smaller-scale venue. The Sphere venue will be the first of its kind in the National Harbor entertainment district, and will most likely be the first to use state-of-the-art immersive technology.

A New Landmark for National Harbor

Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., National Harbor is a premier destination along the Potomac River, attracting millions of visitors annually. Known for its vibrant mix of entertainment, dining, shopping, and leisure, National Harbor will soon add a groundbreaking venue to its roster. The Sphere at National Harbor is expected to generate significant economic and cultural benefits for the region, with the potential to enhance the area’s status as a leading tourism and entertainment destination in the U.S.

Sphere’s Vision and Impact

Sphere Entertainment’s vision is to create a global network of immersive venues, with locations already established in Las Vegas and plans for an additional venue in Abu Dhabi. The company envisions its venues as transformative spaces that offer unparalleled experiences, utilizing advanced technologies to create a fully immersive environment. The new National Harbor venue will be the first smaller-scale Sphere, with a capacity of 6,000 seats, and will incorporate many of the signature technologies that have made the Las Vegas venue so popular.

Economic Benefits for Maryland and Prince George’s County

The Sphere project will be one of the largest economic development initiatives in Prince George’s County’s history. The venue is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in annual economic impact, creating thousands of jobs and boosting local businesses. The project will support around 2,500 jobs during its construction phase and another 4,750 jobs once operational. Local officials have emphasized that the venue will be a key driver of economic growth, bringing in new revenue for both the county and the state.

The project will receive about $200 million in state, local, and private incentives, with the goal of making National Harbor a world-class entertainment and tourism hub. Local leaders have also highlighted the potential for the Sphere venue to attract other major projects to the region, establishing Prince George’s County as a prime location for large-scale developments.

Technological Features of the National Harbor Sphere

The Sphere venue will showcase cutting-edge technology designed to deliver an immersive experience like no other. Its exterior will feature an Exosphere, a massive LED display that will showcase both artistic and branded content to global audiences. Inside, the venue will house a 16K x 16K resolution LED screen – the highest-resolution display of its kind in the world. The venue will also feature Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects, offering an unparalleled sensory experience for visitors.

The Sphere will host a variety of events, including concerts, immersive experiences, and brand events, making it a year-round destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can expect to see original Sphere Experiences created by some of Hollywood’s top creatives, as well as performances by the world’s biggest artists.

A Gateway for Tourists

National Harbor is a top tourism destination in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) area, attracting over 15 million visitors annually. With its strategic location just outside Washington, D.C., the addition of the Sphere will significantly enhance National Harbor’s appeal to tourists. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or a convention, the Sphere will offer a new and exciting attraction to explore.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers visiting the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the Sphere at National Harbor will offer a unique, futuristic experience unlike anything else. The venue’s cutting-edge technology promises to transport audiences into a fully immersive world, making it a must-see destination for tech enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone interested in innovative entertainment.

Travelers can take advantage of the area’s diverse range of activities, including shopping, dining, and sightseeing, in addition to experiencing the Sphere. National Harbor is home to a variety of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it the perfect location for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. The venue’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. also provides easy access to the nation’s capital, where visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the National Mall, the White House, and the Smithsonian museums.

Future Developments and Community Impact

The new Sphere at National Harbor is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community. By creating thousands of jobs and attracting millions of visitors, the project will contribute to the region’s economic growth and help position Maryland as a leader in the entertainment and tourism industries. Additionally, the venue will support local businesses, providing new opportunities for restaurants, hotels, and retailers.

Local leaders are optimistic that the Sphere project will spur further development in the area, including new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. As the first smaller-scale Sphere, the National Harbor venue is seen as a model for future developments of this kind, bringing a new type of immersive experience to cities across the U.S. and beyond.

Conclusion

The announcement of the Sphere at National Harbor marks a new chapter in the development of immersive entertainment in the U.S. The venue will bring together cutting-edge technology, world-class events, and significant economic opportunities for Maryland and Prince George’s County. For travelers, the Sphere will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will redefine the future of entertainment. With its promise of innovation, culture, and economic growth, the Sphere at National Harbor is sure to become one of the top destinations in the D.C. area.