Adam B

Prince George’s County is moving forward with plans to bring a massive Sphere entertainment venue to National Harbor after the County Council gave final approval to a financing agreement in an 8-0 vote Tuesday. The council authorized up to $215 million in special obligation bonds to support the proposed $1.4 billion project, which is expected to feature a 6,000-seat venue with immersive visuals and entertainment technology similar to the existing Sphere in Las Vegas. County Executive Aisha Braveboy celebrated the approval, saying the project could attract major investment and expand the county’s commercial tax base. She projected the development could generate $63 million annually in property, sales and amusement taxes, while producing an estimated $1.3 billion in economic impact for Prince George’s County and $1.5 billion statewide. Under the agreement, the county will provide financing for the project and construct a parking garage estimated to cost $40 million. Sphere Entertainment Co. is expected to repay the bonds over time, with tax revenue generated by the completed development helping support repayment. Maryland has also contributed more than $13 million in state funding. The deal follows weeks of negotiations over labor protections. Some council members initially pushed for a project labor agreement covering construction workers, but Sphere’s owners would not agree to that requirement. The final arrangement includes a labor peace agreement allowing unions to organize workers once the venue opens, along with a community benefits fund. County officials say the project could help offset economic changes tied to the Washington Commanders’ planned departure from the area and the closure of Six Flags America in Largo. Braveboy also described Sphere as a potential signal to other developers that the county is open to large-scale commercial investment. The next step is scheduling a groundbreaking ceremony. When the project was announced, officials said they hoped the venue would begin hosting shows in early 2030.