Is the future of concert venues more spheres? It seems so.
Following on the success of Sphere in Las Vegas, plans are underway to bring a smaller-scale version to the National Harbor in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, announced on Sunday that the state and Prince George’s County are working with Sphere Entertainment Co. and Peterson Companies to develop a 6,000-seat sphere, its second venue in the U.S.
“This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history,” Moore said in a statement. “We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.”
The collaborators are estimating that Sphere National Harbor could generate an economic impact in excess of $1 billion annually and support 4,750 jobs once operational. Though there’s not yet an estimate of the cost of construction, this project could receive state, local, and private funding to the tune of approximately $200 million.
MORE SPHERES COMING
Located across the Potomac River from Alexandria, Virginia, National Harbor already draws tourists and convention-goers alike. Its attractions include the Capital Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel, and an MGM resort that boasts more than 135,000 square feet of gambling and a 3,000-seat concert venue. A rendering of the new Sphere indicates a potential location set off from the Harbor and next to the MGM.
Even at a smaller size, the sphere would still feature the same Exosphere as the one in Las Vegas, which is an exterior LED display that allows the venue to take on different looks. Inside, the venue would feature the highest-resolution LED screen, haptic seating, 4D environmental effects, and other advanced technologies found in the original that seats more than 17,000 people.
Construction is well underway for Sphere Entertainment’s second Sphere in Abu Dhabi, and National Harbor would mark the first smaller-scale version of the concert venue—and potentially pave the way for others.
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said in the statement. He also praised local and state lawmakers for recognizing the potential that a Sphere at National Harbor could “elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.”
There is no estimate on timing for the new Sphere yet, as the proposed venue is still being negotiated and requires various approvals.
NOT SOLD ON SPHERES
Though the planners behind the project boasted that Sphere in Las Vegas topped rankings by Billboard and Pollstar for top-grossing venues worldwide, many people haven’t been entirely sold on the venue. It has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, while panning events held there has become somewhat of a sport for some influencers.
What’s more, the Sphere has been the topic of much criticism since it opened in 2023. Most recently, some film fans fumed because The Wizard of Oz—currently showing at the Sphere for tickets starting at $104 per seat—used generative AI to “reimagine” aspects of visuals from the classic to fit the venue’s capabilities.
Even so, such criticisms haven’t slowed Sphere Entertainment’s meteoric rise. Its stock has surged 134% in the past year.