The Sphere is coming to National Harbor. The Prince George's County Council gave final approval to the proposed Sphere venue at National Harbor last Tuesday, UrbanTurf reported, clearing a major hurdle for the biggest entertainment project in the DC region.
The venue would sit at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland, across the Potomac from Alexandria.
What's being built at National Harbor
The National Harbor Sphere would be a smaller version of the Las Vegas original. It is expected to hold roughly 6,000 guests, compared to 17,500 in Las Vegas. Like the original, it would have an Exosphere, the giant exterior LED display, which UrbanTurf says would be visible across the DC region.
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The council's vote set the funding framework for the roughly billion-dollar project, including $215 million in bonds.
What the county expects from it
County Executive Aisha Braveboy has said the Sphere will generate $63 million in annual tax revenue. Sphere Entertainment has projected more than $1 billion in annual economic impact, according to UrbanTurf.
The labor agreement
The council had considered requiring a project labor agreement for construction. Instead, it passed amendments for a labor peace agreement and a community benefit agreement, UrbanTurf reported.
When construction starts
That's the open question. No construction start date or opening timeline has been announced. With final county approval in hand, the next steps are design, financing and permits.
DC-area building permits now
Across the river, Washington, DC issued 729 building permits in the 30 days through October 28, 2026, by our count on our Washington, DC building permits page.
Common questions about the National Harbor Sphere
Was the National Harbor Sphere approved?
Yes. The Prince George's County Council gave the Sphere at National Harbor final approval in late October 2026.
How big will the Sphere at National Harbor be?
It is expected to hold roughly 6,000 guests, compared to 17,500 at the Las Vegas Sphere.
When will construction on the National Harbor Sphere start?
No construction start date or opening timeline has been announced.
Sources
- Prince George's County Council gives final approval to National Harbor Sphere, UrbanTurf
- Washington, DC building permits, Morningline Leads
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