Prince George’s County Board Advances National Harbor Sphere Plans
New renderings presented at a Prince George’s County Planning Board hearing show a planned 6,000-seat Sphere beside MGM National Harbor. The board gave the project preliminary approval after considering its physical design and surrounding site plan; further county and state reviews remain ahead.
The proposed building would cover more than 447,000 square feet and stand just over 300 feet tall outside. Plans also include four large LED panels, space for bicycles, and an enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting the venue to a separate area for rideshare drop-offs and pickups.
A nearby 2,100-space parking garage is planned, but its location has not been selected. Planning staff recommended that it be completed before the Sphere opens. Developers have said the venue’s displays will be less bright than those in Las Vegas. A county planning official said the study found limited ground illumination beyond the structure’s immediate area.
Some people who testified raised concerns about traffic, neighborhood effects and the project’s economic promises. County Executive Aisha Braveboy has projected an annual economic impact of $1.3 billion and as much as $67 million in tax revenue. The county council previously approved up to $215 million in bonds, to be repaid with National Harbor tax revenues.
The financing vote drew labor criticism after councilmembers rejected amendments requiring a project labor agreement for construction. The approved package includes a labor peace agreement for venue operations and a community benefits agreement. No construction schedule or opening date has been announced.
Sphere Advances With Public Bonds but No Construction Labor Mandate
The planned $1.4 billion Sphere moved closer to approval in Prince George’s County, even as key questions about public investment and workers remain. The planning board gave preliminary approval to the 6,000-seat venue on November 5, while the county council has already authorized up to $215 million in bonds to be repaid through National Harbor tax revenues.
Councilmembers rejected amendments that would have required a project labor agreement setting union standards for construction. The approved package instead includes a labor peace agreement for operations after opening, along with a community benefits agreement. That leaves construction outside the labor standards sought by organized labor, amid concerns that the developer might withdraw if the amendments passed.
The financial case also deserves scrutiny. County Executive Aisha Braveboy has projected $1.3 billion in economic impact and up to $67 million in annual tax revenue, but members of the public questioned those promises and raised concerns about traffic and effects on nearby neighborhoods. The planning board’s review focused on site design, not those broader economic questions.
The renderings show a 6,000-seat venue more than 300 feet tall, with a planned 2,100-space garage whose location has yet to be chosen. Staff recommended the garage be finished before the Sphere opens. Construction and opening dates have not been announced, and more county and state reviews remain.
National Harbor Sphere Clears Key Planning Hurdle
Prince George’s County has advanced a high-profile entertainment project designed to build on National Harbor’s role as a regional destination. The planning board gave preliminary approval on November 5 to a 6,000-seat Sphere, after reviewing renderings and plans for the site beside MGM National Harbor.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy has projected $1.3 billion in economic impact and as much as $67 million a year in tax revenue. The county council approved up to $215 million in bonds, to be repaid from tax revenues generated at National Harbor. Supporters see the venue as an opportunity to bring a distinctive attraction to the area; John Peterson told the board the site had been held for the right use.
The proposal also addresses practical concerns around visitors. It includes plans for a nearby 2,100-space garage, rideshare access and an enclosed pedestrian connection. Staff recommended that the garage be completed before the venue opens. Developers say the Sphere’s displays will be less bright than those in Las Vegas, and a county planning official said the study found limited ground illumination beyond the site’s immediate area.
Some residents questioned the economic projections and raised concerns about traffic and neighborhood effects. Those issues were largely outside the planning board’s site-plan review, which focused on the project’s physical characteristics. Further reviews are still required, and no construction or opening date has been announced.
