National Harbor Sphere Gains Final Approval, Targets Early 2030 Opening

The Prince George’s County Council in Maryland has given final approval for the construction of a new mini Sphere at National Harbor. According to WTOP, the council authorized up to $215 million in bonds to help finance the venue’s construction, which will gradually be repaid through revenue generated by Sphere. The county has also committed to financing a parking garage for the venue. Compared to the nearly 20,000-capacity Las Vegas Sphere, the National Harbor venue will be smaller in scale, with seating for approximately 6,000 people. However, it will feature the same cutting-edge technology as its sister venue, including an Exosphere made of LED panels, a 16K x 16K interior display, an immersive sound system, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects. A groundbreaking ceremony for the National Harbor Sphere is expected soon, with hopes of opening the venue in early 2030. In addition to its original Las Vegas venue and the proposed National Harbor location, there are also plans to build a Sphere in Abu Dhabi.