The Prince George’s County Council has voted to approve a plan to build a $1.4 billion Sphere concert and entertainment venue in National Harbor, Maryland.
The council took a final vote on the proposal Tuesday, voting 8-0, to authorize up to $215 million in special bonds to help build the 6,000-seat entertainment venue and surrounding complex. The Sphere Entertainment Co. would gradually repay those bonds to the county.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy is among Sphere’s supporters, saying it will generate more than triple the tax revenue produced by the defunct Six Flags amusement park and Northwest Stadium, which Washington commanders plan to abandon in 2030.
Under the terms of the agreement, the county will build a $40 million parking garage and provide $130 million in bond financing, which will then be repaid through tax revenue generated by the facility once built. The state also invested more than $13 million.
Work on the site could begin in the coming months and the venue is expected to open in early 2030.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, but some union members have criticized the deal. Earlier this month, the council approved a labor peace agreement, which allows labor groups to organize Sphere workers once it opens, but leaves out protections for construction workers.
The Maryland site would be the second massive light orb operated by Sphere Entertainment Co., which sits behind the Las Vegas entertainment arena.
WTOP’s Kyle Cooper contributed to this report.
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