The Sphere in Maryland is coming, and MGM National Harbor will never look the same.
A massive new entertainment destination is on its way to the Potomac River waterfront. The project has received final approval from the Prince George’s County Council, which voted 8-0 to authorize up to $215 million in special obligation bonds for the development and related National Harbor financing.
There has been talk of building the Sphere in Maryland for months. Now we know it will rise next to MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, bringing an immersive concert and show venue to National Harbor in Prince George’s County.
MGM National Harbor continues to be one of the biggest revenue-generating casinos in The Old Line State.
What Is the Sphere in Maryland?
The Sphere in Maryland is a planned, orb-shaped entertainment venue with about 6,000 seats. It is designed to be a smaller version of the famous Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in 2023 and holds roughly 17,600 to 18,600 guests.
The Maryland venue will be built on a 14-acre site beside MGM National Harbor. Its estimated cost is about $1.4 billion, and developers are targeting an opening in early 2030.
The Sphere is meant to feel more like stepping inside a giant screen than sitting in a traditional theater. Planned features include:
- A 16K-by-16K interior LED display, described by its creators as the world’s highest-resolution LED screen.
- Vibrating, haptic seats and 4D effects that respond to what is happening on stage.
- Immersive concerts, original shows, and large-scale visual experiences.
- An exterior LED display, called the Exosphere, intended to show artwork and branded content visible from outside the venue.
The building is expected to be about 302 feet tall and roughly 428 feet wide. Its glowing exterior is likely to become one of the most recognizable landmarks along the National Harbor waterfront.
Sphere Going Next to MGM National Harbor
The Sphere will be located in National Harbor, a mixed-use waterfront development in Oxon Hill, Maryland. It will sit directly next to MGM National Harbor, the resort and casino that already draws visitors from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
That location matters. National Harbor already has hotels, restaurants, shops, and riverfront attractions. Adding a major entertainment venue could give tourists another reason to visit—and stay longer.
How Will the Project Be Funded?
The Prince George’s County Council approved up to $215 million in special obligation bonds. About $130 million is expected to support the Sphere itself, while the rest can help refinance existing National Harbor debt and cover related financing costs.
The county also plans to build an approximately $40 million parking garage for the project. Maryland is contributing about $13.5 million in state funds.
These bonds are different from ordinary county debt. They are expected to be repaid using future tax revenues connected to the Sphere and surrounding development, an approach known as tax-increment financing, or TIF.
Why Supporters Want to See The Sphere Built
Local leaders see the Sphere as a major economic-development opportunity for Prince George’s County. A county-commissioned study estimates the venue could generate about $63 million in annual local taxes once it is operating.
Supporters also point to broader economic benefits. Estimates cited for the project include about $1.3 billion in annual economic impact for the county and $1.5 billion to $1.58 billion statewide, depending on the study and assumptions used.
The project could also create thousands of jobs. Construction-related employment estimates range from about 2,500 to 3,350 workers, with additional operational and indirect jobs expected after opening.
A workforce networking forum is also going to be held tonight.
Community Benefits and Concerns
The approval includes community-focused requirements.
The plan calls for community benefits, participation goals for small and minority-owned businesses, and a labor peace agreement that would allow workers to organize after the venue opens.
Still, some residents have raised concerns about traffic, transportation, and whether local infrastructure can handle large event crowds. Those issues will remain important as the project moves from approval into permitting and construction.
What Happens Next for The Sphere in Maryland?
Final approval is a major milestone, but it is not the final step. The project still needs permits, final financing arrangements, and likely federal aviation review because of its proximity to Reagan National Airport.
Construction could begin in the coming months or in 2027, with an opening targeted for early 2030.
If it opens as planned, the Sphere in Maryland could become a signature attraction for National Harbor and a major neighbor for MGM National Harbor. Its combination of concerts, immersive technology, waterfront location, and nearby resort amenities could make the area a stronger destination for both day trips and weekend visits.
The project still depends on construction costs, attendance, financing, and future economic conditions. But with county approval secured, Prince George’s County is moving closer to bringing one of the country’s most distinctive entertainment venues to Maryland.
