New Site Plans Reveal Details on Sphere National Harbor

New site plans reveal fresh details about the proposed Sphere National Harbor. The venue would become the tallest structure in the area at 302 feet. Documents filed with county planners outline a 6,000-seat facility. It would rise north of National Harbor, on the site of the current event parking lot. The project spans 14 acres and sits next to the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino. Plans show plazas, dedicated parking, and pedestrian paths connecting the Sphere to nearby attractions. The roughly $1 billion project has not yet been submitted for formal county review.

Sphere National Harbor's Site Plan: Parking, Access, and Layout

The concept site plan sketches out how visitors would move through the Sphere National Harbor site. Several plazas would surround the venue, with VIP and general admission entrances facing the MGM property. An elevated walkway would link the two venues directly. Planners have also mapped out a rideshare drop-off area near an existing northbound ramp to Interstate 295. That area would include additional parking and a pedestrian plaza with a bridge over the ramp. A second parking lot is planned for nearby Oxon Hill Road to handle overflow crowds. Behind the building, the layout includes a service yard and loading docks.

How Tall Is the Sphere Compared to Other Landmarks?

At 302 feet, the National Harbor Sphere would dominate the local skyline. It would stand taller than National Harbor's 180-foot Ferris wheel, though shorter than the Washington Monument. The venue would also be smaller than its Las Vegas counterpart. That Sphere rises 336 feet and seats over 18,000 guests. The site sits about five miles from Reagan National Airport. Because of that proximity, the project has drawn a non-binding review from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said developers must give the agency a chance to evaluate structures near airports for potential hazards. If a proposed height is flagged as a hazard, the agency works to negotiate a lower height with developers.

Ultimately, though, the FAA's determination functions only as a recommendation.

Sphere's Economic Impact on Prince George's County

County leaders have promoted the Sphere as a major economic opportunity for Prince George's County. An economic study released in February projected big benefits for the region. It found the venue would generate $1.3 billion for the county. Another $200 million would be generated elsewhere in Maryland. The proposal comes as the county looks to rebound from recent entertainment losses. Those include the closure of Six Flags America and the Commanders' planned move from Northwest Stadium. Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George's County, and Peterson Companies are working together on the project. A completion date has not been announced, and the venue still requires further approvals before construction can begin.