Sphere Proposes $1 Billion 6,000-Seat Mini-Sphere at National Harbor

Sphere Entertainment Co. announced on Jan. 18 that it plans to build a smaller version of its Las Vegas Sphere at National Harbor, a project the company estimates will cost more than $1 billion and open around 2030. The proposed venue would seat about 6,000 people and replicate the flagship’s immersive, multi-sensory offerings, including an interior LED plane with reported 16,000 by 16,000 resolution, immersive sound systems, haptic seating and 4D environmental effects.

Project backers are seeking roughly $200 million in combined state, local and private incentives to help finance construction and operations. State and county officials framed the proposal as a major economic development opportunity, and project materials cited thousands of construction jobs and permanent positions tied to the venue and its events. The plan is contingent on government approvals, negotiations around incentives and local permitting processes.

For Prince George’s County the proposal carries both potential benefits and challenges. National Harbor is already a regional tourism hub, and a 6,000-seat immersive arena could increase visitor numbers, hotel occupancy and event bookings, encouraging ancillary spending at restaurants, retail and waterfront businesses. Local officials expect increased tax receipts if projected attendance and event schedules materialize, while developers point to significant job creation during construction and after opening.

At the same time, the scale and technology of the mini-Sphere raise questions about infrastructure, traffic and housing. A venue that hosts frequent large events will put additional pressure on roadways, public transit and parking near the Harbor. Residents and local planners will need to weigh transportation and public-safety investments, potential strains on nearby neighborhoods, and the effects on housing demand and short-term rentals. Environmental reviews, noise studies and traffic mitigation plans will be central to the county’s permit decisions.

Financially, the incentive package under discussion would represent about 20 percent of the project's reported cost. That ratio highlights the fiscal trade-offs local and state leaders must evaluate: upfront public support versus longer-term tax revenue and job benefits. Economic impact projections typically depend on attendance assumptions, event frequency and multiplier effects from visitor spending; those variables will be scrutinized during the approval process.

Next steps include detailed permit applications, environmental and traffic studies, public hearings and formal incentive negotiations. For residents, the project could mean new employment opportunities and a boost to the hospitality sector, but it will also require careful local planning to manage traffic, neighborhood impacts and public spending. Watch upcoming county meetings and planning filings to see how the proposal moves from concept toward reality.