The Sphere Is Expanding East: Iconic Vegas Venue Headed to Maryland

A High-Tech Entertainment Landmark Comes to the D.C. Area

The Sphere, the technologically groundbreaking entertainment venue just off the Las Vegas Strip, is officially heading to the East Coast. Sphere Entertainment Co. has announced plans to build a smaller but equally ambitious version of the iconic venue at National Harbor in Maryland, just minutes from Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

The project is being developed in partnership with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, marking a major expansion of the Sphere brand beyond Nevada.

“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, signaling that Maryland is just the beginning of a broader vision.

A ‘Baby Sphere’ With Big Capabilities

While the National Harbor Sphere will be smaller than its Las Vegas counterpart, it won’t be short on spectacle. The Maryland venue is expected to seat approximately 6,000 guests about one-third the capacity of the Vegas Sphere but will feature the same cutting-edge technology that has redefined live entertainment.

Like the original, Sphere National Harbor will include an Exosphere, the massive exterior LED display that transforms the building into a constantly shifting canvas of art, branding, and immersive visuals visible from miles away.

Inside the Immersive Experience

Despite its reduced size, the interior experience will rival Las Vegas in technical power. The venue will feature a 16K x 16K interior LED display the highest-resolution screen currently available along with Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects.

These elements work together to create a fully immersive environment that blurs the line between concert, cinema, and virtual reality. The technology recently debuted on the East Coast at Radio City Music Hall, offering audiences a preview of what’s to come.

Economic Impact and Funding Plans

The project is still contingent on final agreements and government approvals, but early estimates suggest it could support roughly 4,750 jobs once operational. Construction, development, financing, and long-term operation will rely on a mix of public and private funding.

According to Sphere Entertainment, the total incentive package could reach approximately $200 million, combining state, local, and private contributions.

Building on Vegas Success

Since opening in 2023, Sphere Las Vegas has become one of the most talked-about entertainment venues in the world. Its debut residency with U2 set the tone for a string of high-profile performances and visual spectacles from artists such as the Eagles, Phish, Dead & Company, Kenny Chesney, Backstreet Boys, and No Doubt, who are scheduled to appear in May.

Beyond concerts, the Sphere has also found massive success with immersive cinematic experiences. Its enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz has sold more than 1.5 million tickets since launching in August, generating over $200 million in sales and running through 2026.

Competition and Regional Impact

The arrival of Sphere National Harbor will add a new heavyweight to the region’s live entertainment scene, potentially competing with nearby venues such as The Theater at MGM National Harbor, which hosts acts ranging from Patti LaBelle and Ludacris to Earth, Wind & Fire and Amy Grant.

However, Sphere’s unmatched scale and technology could position it as a complementary destination rather than a direct rival drawing larger audiences and global attention to the area.

Part of a Global Vision

The Maryland project is part of Sphere Entertainment’s broader plan to expand internationally. In 2024, the company announced intentions to build another Sphere in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its goal of creating a worldwide network of immersive entertainment hubs.

If approved, Sphere National Harbor could soon bring the “cathedral of sight and sound” experience to the East Coast ushering in a new era of live entertainment just outside the nation’s capital.