Sphere’s ‘Wizard of Oz’ passes $260 million as National Harbor, Maryland project emerges near Washington

Ticket surge in Las Vegas coincides with plans for a smaller Sphere in the D.C. region

Sphere Entertainment Co. reported that its immersive production “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” has sold more than 2 million tickets and generated more than $260 million in ticket sales as of January 19, 2026. The company said the show opened in Las Vegas on August 28 and is scheduled to continue with tickets available through December 2026.

The financial milestone arrived as the company and public officials in Maryland confirmed plans to pursue a second U.S. Sphere venue in National Harbor, a waterfront entertainment district in Prince George’s County near Washington. The project is framed as a smaller-scale model of the Las Vegas venue, with a proposed capacity of about 6,000 seats.

What the proposed National Harbor Sphere would include

Project partners said the proposed venue would replicate key features that define the Las Vegas Sphere concept: a large-format wraparound interior display, specialized audio, and environmental effects designed to support “immersive” programming. Plans also include an exterior LED display surface intended for a mix of artistic content and commercial messaging.

The National Harbor proposal is at an “intent” stage and is contingent on governmental approvals and the completion of an incentive package. The initiative involves Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies, a developer associated with the National Harbor complex.

Funding structure and approvals remain central uncertainties

The proposed financing includes a mix of public and private components, with approximately $200 million described as a combination of state, local, and private incentives. Officials and company representatives have said multiple elements still require approvals, including steps tied to state and local government processes. A target opening year of 2030 has been publicly discussed, though timelines depend on the completion of approvals and construction planning.

Local economic projections and job estimates

Officials supporting the project have associated the venue with large economic-impact projections and job creation estimates. Figures described publicly include thousands of construction jobs and several thousand ongoing jobs once operational, alongside annual regional economic activity estimates that reach into the billions. Such projections are typically dependent on assumptions about programming volume, attendance, and the frequency of major events.

How the “Wizard of Oz” performance fits the broader business model

Sphere Entertainment has positioned “The Wizard of Oz” as an example of programming designed specifically for the venue’s technology, using synchronized visuals, sound, and physical effects to create a theater experience distinct from conventional concert or cinema formats. The company has also indicated that interchangeable programming across venues is part of the longer-term strategy, with plans also underway for a Sphere in Abu Dhabi.

• “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” passed 2 million tickets and $260 million in ticket sales as of January 19, 2026.
• A second U.S. Sphere is planned for National Harbor, Maryland, contingent on approvals and incentives.
• The proposed venue would use a smaller-scale design model with about 6,000 seats.

Key next steps for the Maryland project include finalizing the incentive framework, securing governmental approvals, and completing site and construction planning.