Sphere Entertainment Plans Maryland Venue at National Harbor

Sphere Entertainment Co. announced plans Monday to build a scaled-down version of its innovative entertainment venue at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland, marking the second such location in the United States. The project, a partnership with the State of Maryland, Prince George's County and the Peterson Companies, aims to create a 6,000-seat dome featuring immersive concerts, shows and technological experiences, similar to the original in Las Vegas.

The venue, dubbed Sphere National Harbor, would incorporate advanced features including an exterior LED display known as the Exosphere for artistic and promotional content, a 16,000-by-16,000-pixel wraparound interior screen, immersive sound systems, haptic seating and 4D effects such as wind, fog and scents. These elements are designed to host year-round entertainment, from music performances to branded events tailored for the spherical format. Officials described the project as a way to deliver cutting-edge immersive experiences to the region, located just outside Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River.

Funding for the development would combine public and private sources, including approximately $200 million in...