Plans are underway to construct a second U.S. Sphere in the vibrant locale of National Harbor, situated in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Nestled alongside the scenic Potomac River, this area is already a bustling hub, boasting a convention center, an array of hotels, diverse dining options, and a variety of shops. While Abu Dhabi aims to replicate the grandeur of Las Vegas’s Sphere, the National Harbor iteration will be among the first to introduce a more compact version, as announced this past March.
This new venue will accommodate 6,000 seats, a significant reduction from the Las Vegas Sphere’s capacity of over 17,000. Despite its smaller scale, the mini-Sphere will undoubtedly capture attention with its striking exterior LED exosphere, designed to display the innovative artistic and branded content that has become synonymous with the original Las Vegas landmark.
Inside, visitors will be treated to a cutting-edge experience featuring a high-resolution, 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen. The mini-Sphere will also incorporate the company’s state-of-the-art immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” Currently, audiences in Las Vegas are enjoying an AI-enhanced rendition of The Wizard of Oz, complete with dynamic effects such as wind, fog, scents, and even apples cascading from above.
While the mini-Sphere’s construction is expected to be more budget-friendly than the $2.3 billion original, its development hinges on securing specific governmental incentives and approvals from both Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. Sphere Entertainment has indicated that the project would be backed by a blend of public and private funding, potentially including around $200 million from state, local, and private incentives. Once operational, this venture could generate substantial revenue for both the county and state, while also creating over 4,700 jobs.
