The Sphere Is A Square Deal
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
New Venue Could Alter More Than The Skyline In Prince George’s
“We announced that the Sphere is coming to National Harbor,” Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy said to the excited applause of parents and educators at the Jan 20 opening of the 2026 State of the Schools event. “I'm going to let you know why I'm so excited about that. Not only am I excited because it's a huge generator of revenue for the county and over $1 million economic impPrince George's County act once it's up and running, but the jobs, the 4,700 jobs that can be permanent jobs here in will be accessible to our students.
“It's not just jobs taking tickets,” Braveboy continued. “If any of you have been to the Sphere, you will know that it is an immersive, really high-tech entertainment venue, which requires engineers, graphic designers, and a lot of other professionals in the tech space. This really is an industry coming to Prince George's in a big way. This is only the second U.S. location for the Sphere. Right now, the only other place it's being contemplated is in Dubai.”
A massive, entertainment venue known as Sphere Entertainment Co.’s Sphere is poised to reshape the skyline and economic future of National Harbor, following an announcement by Gov. Wes Moore’s administration that Maryland is pursuing construction of the futuristic attraction.
If finalized, the 6,000-seat Sphere would become the second such venue in the United States, following the company’s landmark location in Las Vegas, and would represent one of the largest economic development projects in county history
Developed through a public-private partnership involving the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, Peterson Companies, and Sphere Entertainment Co., the project would rely on a mix of private investment and approximately $200 million in state and local incentives. Officials estimate the project would create roughly 2,500 construction jobs and nearly 4,750 permanent positions once operational, generating an annual economic impact exceeding $1 billion.
Visually, the Sphere would stand apart from anything currently in the region. Smaller than its Las Vegas counterpart but technologically advanced, the structure would feature a fully programmable LED exterior capable of displaying artistic visuals and branded content, transforming the waterfront into a luminous, constantly evolving landmark. Inside, audiences would be surrounded by immersive digital displays and advanced audio technology designed to make concerts, films and live events feel fully enveloping rather than simply viewed
State and county leaders have framed the project as both a cultural and economic catalyst. Moore described the venue as a symbol of Maryland’s commitment to innovation and job creation, while Aisha Braveboy called it a “world-class win” for the county, citing years of coordinated business-attraction efforts.
Business leaders echoed that sentiment. Peterson Companies CEO Jon Peterson said the Sphere would elevate National Harbor’s status as a premier Mid-Atlantic destination, complementing its existing retail, dining, casino and convention assets, which already draw more than 15 million visitors annually
Final construction remains contingent on negotiations, financing agreements and government approvals. Still, officials say the project aligns with broader state investments highlighted in the governor’s proposed budget, which emphasizes job-creating developments and long-term economic growth across Maryland
If approved, the Sphere would not only alter National Harbor’s skyline but also redefine how residents and visitors experience live entertainment in the region
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Additional Sources for this article include: The Maryland Daily Record, Wes Moore for Maryland and Maryland Business News
