Maryland May Welcome a Second US Sphere

Sphere Entertainment, known for its stunning interactive venue in Las Vegas, has revealed plans to create another Sphere in Maryland, just 15 minutes south of Washington, DC. While the exact timeline and location are still under wraps, this new venue will mark the company’s second in the U.S., following the announcement of a Sphere in Abu Dhabi set for October 2024.

The upcoming Maryland Sphere is planned for National Harbor in Prince George’s County, a vibrant area along the Potomac River that already boasts a convention center, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Unlike the massive Las Vegas Sphere, which accommodates over 17,000 guests, this new venue will be one of the first mini-Spheres, featuring a capacity of 6,000 seats. However, it will still stand out with an impressive exterior LED exosphere designed to display the “artistic and branded content” that has made the original Sphere a landmark in Las Vegas.

Inside, the mini-Sphere will be equipped with a high-resolution wrap-around screen measuring 16,000 by 16,000 pixels, along with cutting-edge immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” For instance, audiences enjoying the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz in Las Vegas can experience effects like wind, fog, scents, and even falling apples.

This smaller Sphere is expected to be more cost-effective than the original, which had a price tag of $2.3 billion. However, its construction hinges on securing specific governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. Sphere Entertainment has indicated that the project will rely on a mix of public and private funding, including around $200 million in state, local, and private incentives, while potentially generating millions in revenue and creating over 4,700 jobs upon its opening.