Prince George’s County Approves $215 Million for National Harbor Dome
East Coast concert-goers are getting their own geodesic dome, but with a smaller footprint and a hefty price tag attached to the banks of the Potomac River. WTOP reported that the Prince George’s County Council has approved up to $215 million in funding to build a sister venue to the Las Vegas Sphere, bringing a 6,000-capacity entertainment hub just south of Washington, D.C.
The project, slated for National Harbor, carries an estimated total cost of $1.4 billion. While the original Vegas landmark towers over the desert with a 20,000-person capacity, the Maryland iteration scales down the audience size while keeping the iconic spherical architecture intact.
Projected Venue Revenues Estimate Millions in Annual Taxes
County officials are betting heavily on the regional draw of the new venue. “This project represents a $1.3 billion dollar economic impact to Prince George’s County and a $1.5 billion dollar impact to the state of Maryland,” County Executive Aisha Braveboy stated during a news conference, adding that the site is projected to generate $63 million annually in property, sales, and amusement taxes.
The Prince George’s County Council voted unanimously on October 27 to advance the development, which was first unveiled in January. Dates for both the start of construction and the grand opening remain unconfirmed.
Council Approves Labor Peace Agreement Excluding Construction Workers
Labor agreements for the facility have already drawn attention from local officials. Earlier this month, the council approved a labor peace agreement allowing Sphere workers to unionize once the doors open, though that provision notably excludes the construction workers tasked with building the structure.
Vegas Venue Hosts High-Profile Concert Residencies
Since the flagship Las Vegas venue opened in 2023, it has hosted high-profile concert residencies from acts including U2, No Doubt, Dead & Company, and Metallica, alongside upcoming bookings for the Eagles, Backstreet Boys, and John Mayer.
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🚨 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL ADVANCES $215 MILLION SPHERE FINANCING DEAL — FINAL AUTHORIZATION AT STAKEPRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — County lawmakers have already voted to advance a $215 million bond financing package for the proposed $1.4 billion Sphere entertainment venue…
