Move over, Sphere Las Vegas—there’s a new orb that’s about to sweep the nation. Well, the nation’s capital, that is.
The mini-Sphere is coming to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, sparking excitement among locals and tourists alike. It will look (and be used) a lot like its big brother in Sin City.
This project will bring together an eye-catching design and state-of-the-art technology, making it an exciting new addition to the area’s entertainment scene.
What is the Mini-Sphere?
The mini-Sphere is a smaller version of the famous Sphere venue in Las Vegas.
Planned for National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, this venue will be an architectural and technological marvel—similar to its larger counterpart, but with around 6,000 seats instead of Las Vegas’s 18,000.
The National Harbor location is ideal, given its proximity to major attractions in Washington, D.C., and its existing status as a bustling tourist destination.
The Las Vegas Sphere Created a New Era in Entertainment
Since opening its doors in September 2023, the Las Vegas Sphere has captivated audiences with a unique blend of concerts and immersive films. This cutting-edge venue combines high-tech visuals and sound to create unforgettable experiences.
One of the standout attractions at the Sphere Las Vegas is "The Wizard of Oz at Sphere", which opened in August. It has been a huge success, generating millions of dollars.
This reimagined version of the classic 1939 film is designed exclusively for the Sphere’s 16K wraparound screen and 4D effects. The film has quickly become the venue’s top draw, selling over a million tickets by early December 2025. In just a few months, it generated more than $130 million in ticket revenue, with analysts predicting even larger profits in 2026.
| Aspect | Las Vegas Sphere | Proposed National Harbor Sphere |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | About 18,000 seats | About 6,000 seats (smaller-scale model) |
| Exterior | Full Exosphere LED skin used for creative and branded content | Exosphere planned, same concept scaled to smaller venue |
| Interior screen | Ultra-high-res wraparound LED display (proprietary spec) | 16K x 16K interior display, billed as world’s highest-resolution LED screen |
| Technology package | Immersive audio, 4D effects, advanced production capabilities | Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating, 4D environmental effects; same tech suite in smaller house |
| Market positioning | Global destination on the Las Vegas Strip | Regional/national draw for DC–Baltimore area, integrated with National Harbor resort cluster |
Before "The Wizard of Oz at Sphere", the venue launched its first custom experience, "Postcard from Earth", directed by Darren Aronofsky. This film highlighted the Sphere’s cutting-edge technology, proving that immersive cinema can be more than just a concept.
The Sphere also hosts impressive concert residencies, starting with U2’s "U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere".
Following U2, Dead & Company held a record-breaking 48-show residency from May 16, 2024, to May 17, 2025.
Not to be outdone, the Eagles scheduled an impressive 56-show residency starting on September 20, 2024, and running through March 28, 2026. Their long-term commitment solidified their status as a major legacy act at the Sphere.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Much like its predecessor, one of the main attractions of the mini-Sphere will be its state-of-the-art technology.
It will feature an “Exosphere,” which includes massive LED panels that create dynamic light shows visible from miles away. The interior boasts the world’s highest-resolution LED display, measuring a stunning 16K × 16K.
With advanced sound systems, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects like wind and scents, visitors will be fully immersed in whatever event they’re attending.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Maryland officials anticipate that the mini-Sphere will significantly boost the local economy.
Projections suggest it could generate over $1 billion in economic activity annually. The construction phase alone is expected to create around 2,500 jobs, with an additional 4,750 permanent positions once the venue is operational.
This would bring substantial benefits to the community, alongside increased tax revenues and incentives totaling approximately $200 million.
A Collaborative Effort
The mini-Sphere is the result of a collaboration between Sphere Entertainment Co., the State of Maryland, Prince George's County, and Peterson Companies.
This public-private partnership connects multiple entities to bring this ambitious project to life. Though development is still in its “intent to develop” phase, the commitment from these partners indicates strong support and optimism for the project’s future.
While the exact timeline and opening date remain undecided, reports suggest a potential completion around 2030.
If realized, the mini-Sphere will undoubtedly become a major player in the D.C. entertainment scene, drawing crowds for concerts, immersive experiences, and brand events. It promises to be a hub of culture and innovation, further cementing National Harbor’s reputation as a premier destination for both regional and international visitors.
