Residents of Prince George’s County have called for firm guarantees on jobs and workers’ rights as officials consider a proposed $1.4 billion Sphere entertainment venue at National Harbor.
More than 100 people attended a public listening session in Largo on Tuesday, where Sphere Entertainment representatives and county officials presented details of the planned development before nearly two hours of public comment.
The project would be the second Sphere venue in the United States after Las Vegas, but a smaller version of the 18,000-seat Nevada attraction. Plans for National Harbor include a 6,000-seat venue standing about 302ft high on a 14-acre site, with a high-definition 16K interior screen, immersive sound, haptic seating and four-dimensional effects.
Supporters said the development could give the area a major new landmark and attract visitors to Prince George’s County. The county estimates the project could generate more than $1.3 billion in annual economic activity once operational, alongside about $63 million a year in county tax revenue.
But much of the discussion focused on whether local residents and workers would share in those benefits. Union representatives and community members urged the county to secure a project labour agreement requiring union labour during construction, with commitments on wages, healthcare and pension provision.
“We want to make sure that we’re paying good wages, benefits and annuity, pension, things like that,” said Lamar Mutts, of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
The county has said the scheme could support thousands of jobs during construction and operation. Its proposed financing package is expected to involve about $200 million in state, local and private incentives, with the county planning to use future tax revenues to support part of the investment.
Sphere Entertainment, the state of Maryland, Prince George’s County and Peterson Companies announced their intention to pursue the project in January. Construction and operation remain subject to final agreements, public funding arrangements and approval by county and state authorities.
The Prince George’s County Council is scheduled to take final action on the proposal on Tuesday, September 29. If approved and developed on schedule, the venue is expected to open in the second quarter of 2030.
