Prince George's County Council Debates Proposed $1.4 Billion Sphere Entertainment Venue Amid Public Concerns
The Prince George’s County Council in Maryland recently held a listening session regarding a proposed $1.4 billion Sphere entertainment venue at National Harbor. Sphere Entertainment plans to construct a 6,000-seat facility on a 15-acre site north of MGM National Harbor, featuring a 16K high-definition display screen, immersive sound, and an exterior LED display. The company aims to begin site work in December and open by spring 2030, with plans for concerts, films, and other events. Paul Macchia, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Social Impact for Sphere Entertainment, projected the venue would generate an estimated $1.3 billion annually in economic activity for Prince George’s County and $1.5 billion across Maryland, along with over $60 million in additional county tax revenue. However, residents and council legislative staff raised concerns about labor protections, traffic congestion, taxpayer costs, and the overall net fiscal benefit to the county.