Prince George’s County Approves $215 Million Sphere Venue Financing

The Prince George’s County Council voted 8-0 on Tuesday to approve a $215 million financing package for a 6,000-seat Sphere entertainment venue at National Harbor. The $1.4 billion project includes up to $215 million in special-obligation bonds, which Sphere Entertainment Co. will gradually repay. The deal also authorizes the county to build a $40 million parking garage and provide $130 million in bond financing to be repaid through tax revenues generated by the facility. The state of Maryland contributed over $13 million to the agreement.

Aisha Braveboy, the County Executive, stated the venue is projected to generate $63 million annually in property, sales, and amusement taxes. She noted the project would more than triple the tax revenue lost from the closure of Six Flags and the Washington Commanders' planned move to Washington, D.C. Officials estimate the development will create a $1.3 billion economic impact for the county and $1.5 billion for the state.

The approval followed disputes over labor protections. While a labor peace agreement allows for union organizing after the venue opens, Sphere Entertainment Co. refused to sign a Project Labor Agreement for the construction phase. Additionally, Deputy Chief Administration Officer Tracy Benjamin defended job estimates of 1,750 positions, clarifying that the figures from an Ernst and Young analysis represent cumulative job-years rather than individual employees. The venue is expected to open in early 2030.