Second US Sphere May Land in Maryland
▼ Summary
– Sphere Entertainment plans to develop a second U.S. Sphere venue in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, DC, following an announced project in Abu Dhabi.
– The Maryland venue would be a smaller “mini-Sphere” with a capacity of about 6,000 seats, compared to over 17,000 in Las Vegas.
– It would still feature the iconic exterior LED display and an immersive interior with a wrap-around screen, advanced sound, haptic seats, and environmental effects.
– The project’s construction depends on receiving governmental approvals and incentives, including roughly $200 million in public and private funding.
– If built, the venue is projected to generate significant revenue and support over 4,700 jobs in Maryland.
The company behind the iconic Las Vegas Sphere has set its sights on the East Coast, announcing its intent to develop a second U.S. venue in Maryland. Sphere Entertainment plans to build this new immersive entertainment complex at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, a bustling area just 15 minutes south of Washington, D.C. While a final timeline and precise location are still being determined, this project marks a significant expansion following the company’s earlier announcement of a planned Sphere in Abu Dhabi.
This Maryland venue represents a new direction for the brand as one of the first “mini-Sphere” concepts. Unlike the massive 17,000-plus seat arena in Las Vegas or the planned full-scale version in Abu Dhabi, the National Harbor facility is designed with a more intimate capacity of roughly 6,000 seats. Despite its smaller footprint, it promises to deliver a similarly striking visual impact. The exterior will be clad in a dynamic LED exosphere, capable of displaying the same kind of artistic and branded content that has made the original Sphere a global landmark.
Inside, the experience aims to be just as immersive. Attendees can expect a high-resolution, wrap-around screen with a stunning 16K by 16K pixel display, complemented by the company’s proprietary beamforming audio technology. The venue will also incorporate haptic seating and advanced 4D environmental effects. These multisensory features, similar to those used in Las Vegas productions like the AI-enhanced Wizard of Oz, can include simulated wind, fog, scents, and even tactile sensations like objects falling from above.
The construction of the Maryland Sphere is not yet guaranteed, as it remains contingent on securing necessary governmental incentives and approvals from both county and state officials. Sphere Entertainment indicates the project would rely on a mix of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. The company argues the investment would be worthwhile, projecting that the venue could generate millions in annual revenue and support over 4,700 jobs once operational. If approved, this mini-Sphere could offer a more cost-effective model for future expansions, compared to the original venue’s $2.3 billion price tag, while bringing a slice of cutting-edge experiential entertainment to the capital region.
(Source: The Verge)
