Maryland is set to get a smaller version of the Las Vegas Sphere after the Prince George’s County Council approved up to $215 million in funding for a venue at National Harbor, south of Washington, D.C. The council voted unanimously on October 27 to advance the project, which was first announced in January.
The proposed venue will share the Las Vegas Sphere’s shape but have a planned capacity of around 6,000, compared with up to 20,000 at the Nevada venue. It will be part of a larger complex, with the overall project projected to cost about $1.4 billion. Dates for a groundbreaking and opening have not been confirmed.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy said the project is expected to generate $1.3 billion in economic impact for Prince George’s County and $1.5 billion for Maryland. She also projected $63 million in annual revenue from property, sales and amusement taxes.
Earlier this month, the council approved a labor peace agreement that will allow Sphere employees to organize after the venue opens. The agreement does not cover the construction workers who will build it.
Sources: Pitchfork.