Key Facts
- ✓ Sphere Entertainment has announced its intent to develop a second US venue in Maryland's National Harbor area.
- ✓ The proposed Maryland location would be situated approximately 15 minutes south of Washington, DC, along the Potomac River.
- ✓ National Harbor currently features a convention center, multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops, providing existing infrastructure for the new venue.
- ✓ The Maryland Sphere would be the company's second venue in the United States, following the iconic Las Vegas Sphere.
- ✓ Sphere Entertainment announced plans to build a Sphere in Abu Dhabi in October 2024, marking its first international expansion.
- ✓ A timeline and exact location within National Harbor have not yet been finalized by the company.
Quick Summary
Sphere Entertainment has revealed plans to bring its iconic interactive venue to the East Coast, announcing its intent to develop a second US location in Maryland. The proposed venue would be situated just 15 minutes south of Washington, DC, in the vibrant National Harbor area of Prince George's County.
This development marks a significant expansion for the company behind the eye-catching Las Vegas Sphere. While the Maryland project represents the company's second planned venue in the United States, it follows the October 2024 announcement of a Sphere in Abu Dhabi. The new location would position the entertainment venue along the scenic Potomac River, creating a new landmark for the region.
The Maryland Proposal
Sphere Entertainment has officially announced its intent to develop a second US venue in Maryland's National Harbor. The proposed location sits approximately 15 minutes south of Washington, DC, placing it in a prime position to serve both the capital region and the broader Mid-Atlantic market.
The company has not yet finalized a timeline or exact location within National Harbor. However, the area represents an ideal setting for such a venue. National Harbor currently features a robust infrastructure that includes:
- A large convention center
- Multiple hotels for visitors
- Extensive dining options
- Shopping and retail spaces
The venue would be built along the Potomac River, offering scenic views and a waterfront setting. This location would complement the existing entertainment and business infrastructure already present in the area.
Global Expansion Strategy
The Maryland proposal represents a key component of Sphere Entertainment's broader global expansion strategy. The company is actively developing multiple venues simultaneously, with the Maryland location serving as the second US-based project in the company's pipeline.
The company's international footprint continues to grow. In October 2024, Sphere Entertainment announced plans to build a Sphere in Abu Dhabi, marking the company's first major international expansion beyond the United States. The Maryland venue would follow this international development, creating a network of immersive entertainment spaces across different continents.
This expansion strategy positions Sphere Entertainment as a global leader in next-generation entertainment venues. The company's approach focuses on creating iconic destinations that combine cutting-edge technology with architectural innovation.
Venue Context & Impact
The proposed Maryland venue would join the original Las Vegas Sphere as the second US location for the company. The Las Vegas venue has already established itself as an architectural and entertainment landmark, known for its massive exterior display and immersive interior experience.
Prince George's County, where the Maryland venue would be located, represents a strategic market for entertainment and tourism. The county's proximity to Washington, DC, provides access to:
- A large metropolitan population
- International tourism flows
- Corporate and convention business
- Government-related events and visitors
The development would likely bring significant economic activity to the region. Construction projects of this scale typically generate substantial local employment, while the completed venue would create ongoing operational jobs and attract visitors from across the region and beyond.
What Comes Next
The Maryland proposal remains in the early planning stages, with Sphere Entertainment still finalizing key details. The company has not announced a specific timeline for construction or opening, nor has it identified the exact site within National Harbor where the venue would be built.
Future developments will likely include:
- Site selection and land acquisition
- Architectural design and engineering plans
- Local government approvals and permits
- Construction timeline establishment
The project represents a significant investment in the region's entertainment infrastructure. As plans progress, additional details about the venue's specific features, capacity, and programming will likely emerge, providing more clarity about how the Maryland Sphere will complement the existing National Harbor development.
Looking Ahead
The proposed Maryland Sphere represents a major development for both the entertainment industry and the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. While specific details remain to be finalized, the project demonstrates Sphere Entertainment's commitment to expanding its unique venue concept across the United States and beyond.
As the company continues to develop its global portfolio, the Maryland location would serve as an important East Coast anchor. The venue's strategic position near the nation's capital, combined with National Harbor's existing infrastructure, creates strong potential for success. Industry observers and local residents alike will be watching closely as Sphere Entertainment moves forward with this ambitious project.
