Sphere Entertainment announces East Coast venue at National Harbor, Maryland

Sphere Entertainment Co. announced plans to develop an immersive entertainment venue at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. The project brings Sphere's groundbreaking entertainment technology - made famous by the Las Vegas Sphere - to the East Coast for the first time.

For construction professionals specializing in complex entertainment venues and high-tech infrastructure, this represents a unique opportunity in the DC metro area.

What is being built?

The National Harbor Sphere will feature Sphere's signature technology including exterior LED displays covering the building's surface, interior immersive screens wrapping around the audience, advanced spatial audio systems and high-resolution projection and lighting.

Key details:

• Partnership: Sphere Entertainment Co., State of Maryland, Prince George's County and Peterson Cos.
• Location: National Harbor waterfront development, minutes from Washington, D.C.
• Significance: First East Coast Sphere venue

Why National Harbor?

National Harbor is a major mixed-use waterfront destination featuring MGM National Harbor casino, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Tanger Outlets and waterfront dining. The Sphere will add another anchor attraction, drawing visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Construction challenges

Complex structural design - The spherical shape requires curved surfaces with custom design/fabrication, structural steel framework supporting the dome, unique foundation engineering and wind/seismic considerations.

Exterior LED system - Millions of LED modules across the curved surface requiring weatherproofing, massive electrical infrastructure and coordination between structural, electrical and AV trades.

Interior immersive screen - Custom projection or LED technology covering the interior dome with precise alignment for seamless visuals and integration with audio systems.

Advanced audio/AV - Speaker arrays throughout the venue, acoustic engineering, AV control systems synchronizing audio/video/lighting and extensive testing/commissioning.

MEP coordination - Electrical systems powering massive LED displays, HVAC maintaining climate without interfering with acoustics, backup power preventing interruptions and cable management for extensive low-voltage infrastructure.

Public assembly requirements - Strict egress and life safety systems, fire protection integrated with AV infrastructure, accessibility compliance and permitting for a first-of-its-kind facility.

What is the impact on hiring demand?

The National Harbor Sphere requires specialized talent with entertainment venue and technology integration experience:

• Project Managers & Directors who understand complex MEP coordination, AV integration and code compliance
• Superintendents skilled in coordinating specialized trades and managing technology integration alongside construction
• MEP Coordinators for electrical infrastructure supporting LED displays, HVAC that doesn't interfere with acoustics and low-voltage/data infrastructure
• Specialty contractors including LED installers, AV integrators, acoustic engineers and commissioning teams
• Safety and quality control professionals with entertainment venue experience

The entertainment-venue trend

The National Harbor Sphere reflects a broader trend toward immersive experiences including MSG Sphere Las Vegas, Cosm venues in LA and Dallas, stadium/arena modernizations and theme park attractions. This creates sustained demand for construction professionals with entertainment infrastructure expertise.

Building in the DC Metro Area?

If you're hiring for entertainment venues, mission-critical infrastructure, or technology-intensive projects in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C - Danielle Angliss specializes in connecting top construction professionals with leading employers.

Danielle Angliss (DC, MD & VA): danielle@wesearchpeople.com

About We Search People

We Search People is the leading recruiter of senior construction professionals on the US East Coast and Texas. Our consultants know the market inside out and connect top talent with the best opportunities.