Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Maryland County Approves Up to $215 Million for National Harbor Sphere
Prince George’s County approved up to $215 million in bonds to help build a Sphere venue at National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. The planned venue would be smaller than the Las Vegas Sphere, with seating for about 6,000 people rather than nearly 20,000.
It is expected to use immersive features such as a large LED exterior, a high-resolution interior screen and haptic seating.
The county’s funding is intended to be repaid over time from revenue generated by the venue, and the county has also committed to financing a parking garage.
The project is expected to cost about $1.4 billion overall, according to one account.
Supporters say it could bring economic benefits to the county and state, while an approved labor agreement would let venue workers organize once it opens but does not cover construction workers.
A groundbreaking is expected soon, with an early 2030 opening targeted, though the date has not been confirmed.
The Prince George’s County Council approved up to $215 million in bonds for a Sphere venue at National Harbor in Maryland.
The planned venue will seat approximately 6,000 people, compared with nearly 20,000 at the Las Vegas Sphere.
The project is expected to cost about $1.4 billion and is part of a larger complex.
A groundbreaking ceremony is expected soon, and the venue is hoped to open in early 2030.
The county says the bonds will be repaid gradually through revenue generated by Sphere.
- Who
- The Prince George’s County Council approved the funding for the venue.
- What
- The council authorized up to $215 million in bonds to help finance a smaller Sphere venue.
- When
- The council voted on October 27, 2026.
- Where
- National Harbor, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on the Potomac River.
- Why
- To help finance the venue’s construction. The county says the bonds will be repaid through revenue generated by Sphere.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The National Harbor Sphere project was first announced.
The county council approved a labor peace agreement allowing Sphere workers to organize once the venue opens.
The county council voted unanimously to advance the project and authorized up to $215 million in funding.
The venue is hoped to open.
- Funding
- Up to $215 million in bonds
- Location
- National Harbor, Prince George’s County, Maryland
- Planned capacity
- Approximately 6,000 people
- Projected total cost
- About $1.4 billion
- Target opening
- Early 2030
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What people are saying
This project represents a $1.3 billion dollar economic impact to Prince George’s County and a $1.5 billion dollar impact to the state of Maryland