Prince George’s County could be home to its own Sphere, a project local leaders say could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs – and draw major events, including concerts.
A smaller-scale version of the popular Las Vegas entertainment complex is in the works for National Harbor, the county, along with the state of Maryland, Sphere Entertainment and Peterson Companies, announced.
The Sphere in Prince George’s County would hold 6,000 people, and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy is aiming for it to open within three to four years.
The Sphere in Las Vegas can hold more than three times as many people, according to The Venetian Resort, and upcoming events include Kenny Chesney, Eagles and Backstreet Boys concerts, plus an immersive screening of “The Wizard of Oz.” The ball-shaped building shows images on its exterior and allows performers to wow audiences inside with a 160,000 sq. ft. screen offering 360-degree visuals. It cost $2.3 billion to build and opened in September 2023.
In an exclusive interview, county executive Braveboy broke down the excitement surrounding this project.
“It will generate hundreds of thousands, if not billions of dollars annually in economic impact, total economic impact. So, we’re really excited about that,” Braveboy said.
The county is offering $200 million in a TIF (tax increment financing) agreement, essentially borrowing against taxes that the facility is expected to generate.
The project would be financed with both public and private funds, according to a press release, including state, local and private incentives. The release also says the Sphere would create about 2,500 jobs in the construction phase and 4,750 when the venue becomes operational.
The state legislature and Prince George’s County council need to approve plans for the project.
Braveboy is hoping the plan moves quickly through the county council so they can break ground on the Sphere before the end of the year, paving the way for the $1.4 billion project to be up and running in the next three to four years.
“As only the second Sphere venue in the United States, this project demonstrates the future of economic development in Prince George’s County, how we compete, how we win, and how we attract other world-class destinations that will become flagship projects for our County, our State, and the entire region,” Braveboy said in the announcement. “I love winning for Prince George’s County.”
Braveboy says the development is welcome news as Prince George’s County deals with the loss of two major attractions. The Six Flags in Bowie closed, and Northwest Stadium in Landover is set to be demolished once the Washington Commanders move to D.C.
“People asked me, you know, if I thought that this meant, you know, Prince George’s County was gonna go through a dark period. And I said, ‘No, I believe that better days are ahead.’ I believe that when one door closes, another one will open. And, oh boy, did a door open for us,” Braveboy said.
The Sphere project, according to the release, is estimated to generate more than $1 billion annually in economic impact.
“This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history – proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. “We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.”
Moore, Braveboy and other leaders are expected to share more details in a press conference.
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