The second US Sphere is set to be built in National Harbor, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, along the Potomac River. Currently, National Harbor boasts a convention center, various hotels, restaurants, and shops. While the Abu Dhabi Sphere aims to match the size of the one in Las Vegas, the National Harbor venue will be one of the first smaller Sphere locations, announced last March.
This mini-Sphere will accommodate 6,000 seats instead of the more than 17,000 found in Vegas. Despite its smaller size, it will feature an impressive exterior LED exosphere designed to showcase the “artistic and branded content” that has made the Las Vegas Sphere a standout in the skyline. Inside, the mini-Sphere will include a high-resolution, 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen, advanced immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” For instance, in the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz currently running in Las Vegas, audiences can experience effects like wind, fog, enticing smells, and even falling apples.
The construction of the mini-Sphere is expected to be less expensive than the original, which cost $2.3 billion. However, it hinges on receiving specific governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. Sphere Entertainment has stated that the project would require a mix of public and private funding, including around $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. Once operational, it is projected to generate millions in revenue for the county and state while supporting over 4,700 jobs.
