Sphere Entertainment plans ‘mini Sphere’ venue near Washington, D.C.

Sphere Entertainment has revealed plans for its first smaller-scale ‘mini Sphere’ venue in the United States, with a proposed new location at National Harbor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Moreover, the company will develop the project in collaboration with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, expanding the Sphere concept beyond its flagship Las Vegas venue.

Unlike the 17,600-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in September 2023, the National Harbor version would offer around 6,000 seats. Additionally, the model will still feature the Exosphere, Sphere’s signature exterior LED display, while introducing a smaller design format that could unlock future builds in more cities. If approvals move forward, the venue would become the second Sphere in the US and the first to adopt the scaled-down blueprint.

James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said: “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities.” He added that local partners recognise the potential for the National Harbor project to elevate immersive experiences across the region.

The proposal also includes a 16K x 16K interior display plane, described as the world’s highest-resolution LED screen, alongside Sphere’s wider technology stack. As a result, the venue aims to host a range of programming, including original Sphere Experiences, concerts, and brand-led events, with developers positioning it as a year-round destination.

Funding would combine public and private sources, including roughly $200 million in incentives. Developers also project significant job creation during construction and operations, while forecasting an annual economic impact exceeding $1 billion once the venue opens.