Sphere at National Harbor gets final approval with $215M public bonds

The big picture: Those pushing the deal include Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who wants new investments in the D.C. suburbs — given DOGE cuts, the planned departure of the Washington Commanders and the closure of Six Flags. (Fairfax County was briefly in the running, as Axios previously reported.)

• When it opens in early 2030, the Sphere is estimated to generate $63 million annually in taxes for Prince George's, per a county-commissioned study.

• Council members approved issuing $215 million in bonds to fund the project and pay down other National Harbor debt, to be repaid with anticipated future tax revenues. The Moore administration is also contributing $13.5 million in taxpayer funds.

Zoom in: The Sphere will neighbor MGM National Harbor and host immersive concerts and shows with vibrating seats, 4D effects and a 16K-by-16K interior display that the creators say is the "world's highest-resolution LED screen."

• The Vegas Sphere has events like a 4D screening of "The Wizard of Oz" and an Eagles concert with tech enhancements like colorful visuals on a wraparound LED.

Friction point: Labor unions pushed for a project labor agreement setting favorable terms for construction workers, similar to those sought for RFK Stadium and the proposed Audi Field expansion.

• Instead, the council approved a labor peace agreement to allow unions to organize future Sphere workers, WTOP reports.