The future of immersive entertainment is expanding beyond Las Vegas, and the food and beverage industry should pay close attention. Sphere Entertainment Co., the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies have announced their intent to develop a groundbreaking Sphere venue at National Harbor: marking the second U.S. location and the first to utilize a smaller-scale design model. For hospitality professionals and food service executives in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, this development signals a massive influx of visitors, economic opportunity, and potential partnerships on the horizon.
A New Era of Immersive Entertainment Arrives on the East Coast
National Harbor, Maryland, is already a premier destination drawing more than 15 million visitors annually with its world-class dining, retail, gaming, and entertainment offerings. Now, with the proposed Sphere venue, the region is poised to cement its status as one of the country’s preeminent tourism and entertainment hubs.
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment. “Sphere is a new experiential medium. With a commitment to bringing innovative opportunities to residents and visitors, Governor Moore, County Executive Braveboy, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County recognize the potential for a Sphere at National Harbor to elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.”
The announcement builds on the remarkable success of Sphere Las Vegas, which recently ranked #1 on both Billboard’s and Pollstar’s 2025 lists of top-grossing venues worldwide. For hospitality leaders, this track record suggests the National Harbor venue will become a significant driver of foot traffic and spending across the region.
What Makes the Smaller-Scale Sphere Design Special?
While the Las Vegas Sphere boasts a 17,600-seat capacity, the proposed National Harbor venue will seat approximately 6,000 guests. Don’t let the reduced size fool you: this smaller-scale model will pack all of Sphere’s signature advanced technologies into a more intimate setting.
Cutting-Edge Technology Features
The National Harbor Sphere will feature:
- Exosphere: The iconic exterior LED display that showcases artistic and branded content visible to audiences globally
- 16K x 16K Interior Display: The world’s highest-resolution LED screen, creating unparalleled visual experiences
- Sphere Immersive Sound: Proprietary audio technology designed to envelop audiences in crystal-clear, multidimensional sound
- Haptic Seating: Seats that vibrate and move in sync with on-screen content
- 4D Environmental Effects: Wind, scent, and temperature changes that bring experiences to life
These technologies combine to create what Sphere Entertainment calls “an experiential medium”: a venue where artists, creators, and technologists collaborate to transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue will host original Sphere Experiences, concerts from world-renowned artists, and premier brand events.
Economic Impact: Jobs, Revenue, and Regional Growth
For food and beverage professionals, the numbers behind this project are particularly compelling. The Sphere development represents one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history, backed by approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives.
Employment Opportunities
- 2,500 jobs during the construction phase
- 4,750 jobs once the venue becomes operational
Revenue Projections
Once open, the economic impact of Sphere National Harbor is expected to exceed $1 billion annually. This translates to significant opportunities for restaurants, catering companies, beverage distributors, and hospitality service providers throughout the DMV region.
“Maryland has a long history of providing world-class entertainment and we could not be more excited to work with Sphere Entertainment to bring this cutting-edge project to life,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history: proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life.”
Why This Matters for the Food and Beverage Industry
National Harbor already features an impressive array of dining and entertainment options. The addition of a Sphere venue will amplify demand for food and beverage services in several key ways:
Increased Visitor Volume
With millions of additional visitors expected annually, restaurants and bars in the National Harbor area will see substantial increases in foot traffic. Pre-show dining, post-event drinks, and late-night snacks will become significant revenue streams for establishments positioned to capture this audience.
Catering and Event Opportunities
The Sphere will host brand events, corporate gatherings, and private functions in addition to public experiences. Food and beverage companies should begin positioning themselves now as potential catering partners and vendors for these high-profile occasions.
Tourism and Hospitality Synergies
Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., National Harbor already serves as a convention and tourism hub. The Sphere will draw domestic and international visitors who will seek out local dining experiences, creating opportunities for restaurants to showcase regional cuisine and innovative menu concepts.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy emphasized the significance of this win: “As only the second Sphere venue in the United States, this project demonstrates the future of economic development in Prince George’s County, how we compete, how we win, and how we attract other world-class destinations that will become flagship projects for our County, our State, and the entire region.”
Peterson Companies: The Development Partner Behind National Harbor
Peterson Companies, one of the largest privately-owned real estate development companies in the Washington, D.C. region, will partner on the Sphere development. With more than 60 years of experience delivering prominent destinations including National Harbor itself, Peterson brings deep expertise in creating vibrant mixed-use environments.
“We are excited to partner with Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County to bring a Sphere to National Harbor,” said Jon Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of Peterson Companies. “This innovative project will further reinforce National Harbor as the national capital region’s premier destination for conventions, entertainment, retail and dining, and hospitality.”
What’s Next for Sphere’s Global Expansion?
The National Harbor announcement follows Sphere Entertainment’s vision for a global network of venues. Currently, the company operates Sphere Las Vegas and has announced plans for a venue in Abu Dhabi. The smaller-scale design model opens possibilities for Sphere experiences in markets that may not support a Las Vegas-sized venue but still offer substantial audiences hungry for immersive entertainment.
For hospitality professionals watching food and beverage trends, the Sphere model represents a convergence of technology, entertainment, and experiential dining that is reshaping how consumers spend their leisure time and dollars. Venues that create memorable, shareable experiences are winning in today’s market: and the Sphere takes this concept to unprecedented heights.
Important Considerations Moving Forward
It’s worth noting that construction, development, financing, and operation of the Sphere at National Harbor remain contingent upon several factors, including:
- Negotiation and execution of definitive agreements
- Receipt of governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland
Food and beverage businesses interested in capitalizing on this opportunity should monitor developments closely and begin strategic planning now. Building relationships with local tourism boards, hospitality associations, and potential partners will position savvy operators to capture their share of the anticipated economic windfall.
The Bottom Line
The proposed Sphere at National Harbor represents a transformative opportunity for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area’s hospitality industry. With its advanced technology, significant economic impact, and proven success model from Las Vegas, this venue promises to reshape the entertainment landscape on the East Coast.
For restaurant owners, beverage industry executives, and hospitality leaders, the message is clear: now is the time to prepare for a new era of visitor-driven growth in the National Harbor region. Whether through enhanced menu offerings, strategic partnerships, or expanded catering capabilities, the Sphere’s arrival will reward those who position themselves ahead of the curve.
Have questions about how your food and beverage business can prepare for major entertainment developments? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or reach out to our team at Food & Beverage Magazine for industry insights and resources.
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Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
