The Sphere is officially coming to the East Coast.
Prince George's County Council in Maryland gave final approval on Tuesday to a $1.4 billion Sphere at National Harbor, just outside Washington, D.C. The council voted 8-0 to authorize up to $215 million in bonds to help pay for it, with Sphere Entertainment repaying them over time.
It will be the second Sphere in the U.S. and a smaller version of the Las Vegas venue: about 6,000 seats instead of roughly 17,600, but with the same LED exterior, a 16K wraparound screen inside, immersive sound, haptic seats and 4D effects. It will sit right next to MGM National Harbor.
Construction is expected to start next year, with the opening planned for 2030.
Meanwhile in Vegas, Metallica's Life Burns Faster residency at the original Sphere rolls on tonight and Saturday.