A Smaller Sphere Is Coming to National Harbor In Maryland, Beside The MGM National Harbor Casino

Sphere Entertainment is preparing to bring its signature immersive venue concept to the Washington, D.C. region — this time in a more compact form. The company has announced plans to build a 6,000‑seat Sphere at National Harbor in Maryland, positioned beside the MGM National Harbor casino. The project would mark the first “smaller‑scale” version of the Las Vegas Sphere, which seats more than 17,000.

State officials and developers describe the venue as a major cultural and economic opportunity for Prince George’s County. The proposed structure would feature the same striking Exosphere — the programmable LED exterior that has become a global visual icon — though scaled to fit the waterfront site overlooking the Potomac River. The location is currently a parking lot, according to planning details.

The Maryland Sphere would be only the second in the United States and the third worldwide, following the Las Vegas flagship and a planned venue in Abu Dhabi. The project is expected to be supported by a mix of public and private funding, including roughly $200 million in incentives from state, local, and private partners.

Local leaders say the venue could help fill the gap left by several entertainment closures in the region and further elevate National Harbor as a destination for tourism, nightlife, and large‑scale events. Sphere Entertainment CEO James Dolan emphasized that the company aims to build a “global network of Spheres” in forward‑looking cities, with National Harbor serving as the first example of the new, smaller design model. The timeline for construction remains uncertain, as the project still requires formal agreements and government approvals. But if it moves forward, the National Harbor Sphere could become one of the region’s most distinctive landmarks — and a new East Coast hub for immersive entertainment.