Sphere National Harbor to Bring Significant Economic Benefits to Prince George’s County and Maryland

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy and Governor Wes Moore Share EY Analysis Projecting $1.5 Billion Annual Total Economic Impact for Maryland from Sphere National Harbor Operations

National Harbor, Md. – Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy and Governor Wes Moore, with Sphere Entertainment Co. and Peterson Companies, unveiled today a new economic analysis that demonstrates how the recently announced Sphere National Harbor venue would drive significant economic benefits for Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. 

As the second Sphere venue in the U.S., once operational this new 6,000-seat landmark destination planned for National Harbor is expected to drive $1.3 billion in economic impact for Prince George’s County, and an additional $200 million outside the County, for a total of $1.5 billion overall for the State, according to the new analysis. Construction is expected to bring in $1.6 billion in economic benefits to Prince George’s County, and an additional $250 million outside the County, for a statewide total of $1.85 billion. The new economic impact analysis by EY is available at mypgc.us/sphere.

“We knew immediately Sphere National Harbor was going to be transformational. This new economic data has reconfirmed how amazing a win this is for the people of Prince George’s County and Maryland,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “Partnering with Gov. Moore, we developed the most compelling and responsible incentive package to draw Sphere to National Harbor, it will pay dividends for generations and create a new landmark on the edge of the Potomac River.” 

“Maryland has a proud tradition of world-class entertainment, and we’re excited to partner with Sphere Entertainment to bring this bold, cutting-edge project to life,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This landmark investment will be one of the largest economic projects in Prince George’s County history – creating jobs, driving growth, and showcasing the very best of Maryland to the world.”

“Sphere Entertainment is looking forward to partnering with Governor Moore, County Executive Braveboy, and other stakeholders to make the vision of Sphere National Harbor a reality,” said Sphere Entertainment Executive Vice President David Granville-Smith. “Through this partnership, we can deliver a transformative project for the State and the region.”

“We are proud to work alongside the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Sphere to bring forward a project that strengthens our regional economy, creates job opportunities, and reinforces National Harbor’s position as one of the country’s premier destinations. This project reflects thoughtful leadership, strong collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering lasting benefits for our community,” said Jon Peterson, CEO at Peterson Companies.

Key to the new economic analysis, which builds upon the initial numbers included in first announcing the Sphere project, is an increase in the number of jobs, direct and indirect that would be created by Sphere National Harbor. Construction-related jobs are now expected at 3,350 construction and full- or part-time local supplier and consumer-supported jobs over the construction period. Once operational, Sphere National Harbor is expected to support 7,100 full- and part-time jobs at Sphere and throughout Prince George’s County. This includes an estimated 1,250 Sphere employees, ranging from video and sound engineers, technical production, marketing, concessions and more, as well as 5,850 jobs supported by visitors, suppliers, and induced employee spending at Sphere and throughout Prince George’s County. An additional 880 jobs are expected elsewhere in Maryland for a total of nearly 8,000 positions.

Sphere is an experiential medium, powered by advanced technologies, that is redefining the future of immersive experiences. The proposed National Harbor venue would be the first smaller-scale Sphere, with capacity of 6,000 seats, and deliver the fully immersive experiences that are the signature of the first Sphere venue in Las Vegas. It would feature an Exosphere – the exterior LED display of Sphere that showcases both artistic and branded content and reaches audiences globally. The venue would also feature a 16K x 16K interior display plane – the world’s highest-resolution LED screen. All of Sphere’s advanced technologies would be incorporated, including Sphere Immersive Sound, as well as haptic seating and 4D environmental effects. 

Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., National Harbor is a top entertainment and tourism destination in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) region. Situated along the Potomac River, National Harbor offers world-class entertainment, dining, retail, gaming, convention, and leisure activities to more than 15 million visits annually. A Sphere at National Harbor would become a major year-round draw, offering an array of immersive experiences, including original Sphere Experiences, concerts, and brand events, for residents and the millions of domestic and international visitors who travel to the area each year.

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