Credit - Sphere Entertainment and Peterson Companies
Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies Announce Intent to Develop a Sphere at National Harbor
National Harbor, Maryland Would Become Second U.S. Location For Sphere And First To Utilize Smaller-Scale Venue Design Model
Project Would Receive Approximately $200 Million In State, Local, And Private Incentives
By PRESS OFFICER
Office of the Governor
NEW YORK and NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (Jan. 18, 2026)—Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR), the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies announced today their intent to develop a new Sphere venue—which would be the second in the U.S. and first to utilize a smaller-scale design model—at National Harbor, a premier destination in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The addition of Sphere would create a new Maryland landmark that drives significant economic, cultural and community benefits for the county, state, and region, and provides unparalleled immersive experiences powered by advanced technologies.
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment. “Sphere is a new experiential medium. With a commitment to bringing innovative opportunities to residents and visitors, Governor Moore, County Executive Braveboy, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County recognize the potential for a Sphere at National Harbor to elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.”
“Maryland has a long history of providing world-class entertainment and we could not be more excited to work with Sphere Entertainment to bring this cutting-edge project to life,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history—proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life. We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.”
“This is a world-class win and an incredibly exciting moment for Prince George’s County. This achievement reflects the strong partnership we have built with Governor Wes Moore and the State of Maryland, as well as a disciplined, experienced team that knows how to compete and win major projects at a national scale,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy. “As only the second Sphere venue in the United States, this project demonstrates the future of economic development in Prince George’s County, how we compete, how we win, and how we attract other world-class destinations that will become flagship projects for our County, our State, and the entire region. I love winning for Prince George’s County.”
“We are excited to partner with Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County to bring a Sphere to National Harbor,” said Jon Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterson Companies. “This innovative project will further reinforce National Harbor as the national capital region’s premier destination for conventions, entertainment, retail and dining, and hospitality; deliver more economic activity and jobs; and elevate National Harbor, and Maryland, as one of the country’s preeminent tourism and entertainment hubs.”
This project would utilize a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. Sphere would support approximately 2,500 jobs during the construction phase, and 4,750 jobs once operational, in addition to generating millions in additional revenue for the County and State. Once open, the economic impact of Sphere National Harbor is expected to be greater than $1 billion annually.
Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., National Harbor is a top entertainment and tourism destination in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) region. Situated along the Potomac River, National Harbor offers world-class entertainment, dining, retail, gaming, convention, and leisure activities to more than 15 million visitors annually. A Sphere at National Harbor would become a major year-round draw, offering an array of immersive experiences, including original Sphere Experiences, concerts, and brand events, for residents and the millions of domestic and international visitors who travel to the area each year.
Sphere in Las Vegas was recently ranked #1 on both Billboard’s and Pollstar’s 2025 lists of top-grossing venues worldwide. As part of Sphere Entertainment’s vision for a global network of venues, which now includes Sphere in Las Vegas and the planned venue in Abu Dhabi, the Company has designed plans for various sized Spheres that deliver the fully immersive experiences that are the signature of Sphere in Las Vegas.
The proposed National Harbor venue would be the first smaller-scale Sphere, with capacity of 6,000 seats. Smaller-scale Spheres would feature an Exosphere—the exterior LED display of Sphere that showcases both artistic and branded content and reaches audiences globally. The venue would also feature a 16K x 16K interior display plane—the world’s highest-resolution LED screen. All of Sphere’s advanced technologies would be incorporated, including Sphere Immersive Sound, as well as haptic seating and 4D environmental effects.
Any construction, development, financing and operation of a Sphere venue at National Harbor is contingent upon, among other things, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, as well as receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.
Sphere is an experiential medium that is redefining the future of immersive experiences. Powered by advanced technologies that ignite the senses, Sphere is a venue where the foremost artists, creators, and technologists create extraordinary experiences that bring storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue hosts original Sphere Experiences from leading Hollywood creatives; concerts and residencies from the world’s biggest artists; and premier brand events. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, with a second venue planned for Abu Dhabi. More information is available at thesphere.com.
Sphere Entertainment Co. is a leader in immersive experiences, technology and media. The Company includes Sphere, an experiential medium powered by advanced technologies. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, with a second venue planned for Abu Dhabi. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at?www.sphereentertainmentco.com
Peterson Companies is one of the largest privately-owned real estate development companies in the Washington, D.C. region, with a diverse portfolio spanning mixed-use, retail, residential, office, industrial, and self-storage assets. For more than 60 years, the company has delivered prominent destinations such as National Harbor, Rio, Fairfax Corner, Tysons McLean Office Park, and Fair Lakes. Combining market expertise with a fully integrated development platform, Peterson Companies develops vibrant residential and business districts throughout the region. For more information, visit www.petersoncos.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Sphere Entertainment’s plans, strategies, beliefs and expectations. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments or events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements for a Sphere at National Harbor, the receipt of governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland and the factors described in Sphere Entertainment’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained therein. Sphere Entertainment disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.
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Council Member Ingrid S. Watson Announces Resignation
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
On Tuesday, January 13, District 4 Council Member Ingrid S. Watson announced she will resign from the County Council effective Friday, January 16 and transition to a new position as President and CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the residents of Prince George’s County and District 4 as a member of the County Council, and I am deeply grateful for the trust my constituents placed in me,” said Council Member Watson. “My expansive career in public service has equipped me with invaluable experience in the economic development sector, enabling me to collaborate with developers and landowners to drive impactful new projects and cultivate a business-friendly environment in Prince George’s County. Leaving the Council is bittersweet, but I’m excited to continue this vital work in my new role.”
Council Member Watson also thanks her incredible team in the District 4 office for their hard work and dedicated efforts to the residents.
Council Member Watson served more than three years on the Council, starting in December 2022. Her history of community service in the county spans 30 years and includes serving on the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee and serving as an At-Large member of the Bowie City Council. Council Member Watson is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and served as the 11th President of the Iota Gamma Omega Chapter. She previously worked as a Government Affairs Manager for Children’s National Hospital and Outreach/Communications Manager for Employ Prince George’s. Her passion for public service was ignited during her 10 years of experience working in the District 4 office for two previous Council Members, where she gained invaluable insights into local governance and policy.
As a County Council Member, her focus is always responsive constituent services. She championed legislation and initiatives that look out for seniors and vulnerable residents, promote county beautification and trash pickup, and strengthen protections and access to care for pets and animals. She also provided much needed funding to nonprofits to support food giveaways, educational programs, scholarships, and a host of programs in support of Prince George’s County residents. Council Member Watson also served as Chair of the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee for the last two years, and as a member of the Education & Workforce Development and Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committees. She also chaired the Accessory Dwelling Unit Task Force.
Her current term was set to expire on December 5, 2026.
Pursuant to the County Code, when there is a vacancy in the Office of a Council Member that occurs during the last year of a term, a majority of the remaining Council Members will appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy.
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Cottage City Announces Appointment of David “Dave” Martini as Chief of Police
By PRESS OFFICER
Town of Cottage City
COTTAGE CITY, Md. (Jan. 14, 2026)—The Town of Cottage City is pleased to announce the appointment of David “Dave” Martini as Chief of Police of the Cottage City Police Department, effective February 4, 2026.
Chief Martini brings 37 years of distinguished law enforcement service to Cottage City. His career began in 1988 with the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division, where he was entrusted with the protection of the President, Vice President, and visiting foreign dignitaries. In 1989, he joined the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGCPD)—one of the nation’s largest county law enforcement agencies—where he rose through the ranks to the position of Major.
A veteran of PGCPD, Chief Martini brings nearly three decades of expertise in narcotics enforcement and human trafficking investigations. Throughout his career, he has served as a patrol officer, investigator, and hostage negotiator, managing cases ranging from local drug enforcement to complex, high-level conspiracy investigations. Today, he is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in narcotics and human trafficking, valued for his deep institutional knowledge and extensive supervisory experience.
During his leadership tenure, Chief Martini held numerous key supervisory roles, including serving as a Sergeant in Patrol, Robbery, and the Narcotics Enforcement Division. He also served as a Group Supervisor for the HIDTA Southern Maryland Interdiction Initiative. After serving as a Patrol Lieutenant and leading the Vice & Sex Trafficking/JAG Unit, he was promoted to Captain, where he served as Assistant Commander for multiple patrol districts.
As a Major and Commander of District VI, Chief Martini assumed full accountability for district administration and strategic direction. In this role, he oversaw all patrol operations, investigative sections, and specialized units, ensuring the effective and comprehensive delivery of police services to the community.
Chief Martini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). His professional development includes more than 40 specialized training courses and seminars conducted by elite agencies such as the FBI, DEA, DOJ, and Maryland State Police. As Training Coordinator for the Narcotics Enforcement Division, he mentored officers and strengthened departmental expertise. A seasoned educator, he has presented to audiences ranging from police recruits and grand juries to community groups, students, and fellow law enforcement professionals.
His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named Prince George’s County Police Officer of the Year and Employee of the Year for Public Safety.
Chief Martini resides in Maryland with his wife, Tamara, and is the proud father of three grown children: Alexa, Austin, and Gabrielle.
The Town of Cottage City looks forward to Chief Martini’s leadership as he begins this next chapter of service and continues the department’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and community partnership.
He will be sworn in at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during the February Regular Town Meeting at Cottage City Town Hall, located at 3820 40th Avenue, Cottage City, Maryland 20722.
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PGCPS Cuts Teacher Vacancies by 52 Percent as District Rebuilds Talent Pipeline Under New Leadership
District nearly halves open teacher positions in one year
By PRESS OFFICER
PGCPS
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (Jan. 15, 2026)—Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), with strong support from County Executive Aisha Braveboy and county partners, proudly announces a dramatic reduction in teacher vacancies, alongside significant improvements to the district’s recruitment and hiring processes.
These gains come at a time when districts across the region and nation continue to face educator shortages, marking important progress toward ensuring every student has access to a certified, high-quality teacher.
“We have cut vacancies in half in just one year, which shows how quickly we can move when systems are aligned and people are supported,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “We are strengthening our workforce, improving how we recruit and raising the bar for how we bring talent into PGCPS.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy applauded the work that the school district is doing. “Our PGCPS team is delivering, and our young people are reaping the benefits, including stability in the classroom. There is no better proof that when government, school leadership and labor partners work together toward our shared goal of excellence for students, parents, and all PGCPS stakeholders we win,” she said.
Closing the Talent Gap:
Real Results
The district’s focused hiring efforts have yielded real results, nearly halving the number of open teacher positions in one academic year.
• Historic Reduction: PGCPS cut its total teacher vacancies by 52 percent, dropping from 900.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the 2024–25 academic year to just 434 FTE presently.
• Specialized Staffing: The district successfully reduced vacancies for Special Education (SPED) teachers from 242 at the end of the 2024-25 school year to 80 as of December 2026. We also reduced vacancies for SPED paraeducators and dedicated aides, ensuring enhanced support for students with diverse needs.
• Driver Shortage Addressed: For the first time, driver vacancies have fallen below 100 FTE, securing essential transportation services for students. Additionally, the new PGCPS Transportation Academy is opening new pathways for current employees interested in expanding their roles in pupil transportation. By targeting internal staff eligible for additional assignments, the academy is helping build a stronger, in-house pipeline of bus drivers. Six new drivers completed the program and began routes on December 1.
• Innovation in Recruitment and Hiring: A cornerstone of this success is ongoing improvement and optimization of the district’s hiring process, making it faster, more responsive, and more competitive.
• Digital Engagement Soars: The PGCPS Careers page has seen a surge in interest, with visits up 163% (a nearly threefold increase) over the same period last year, demonstrating the success of renewed outreach strategies.
• Fast-Track Processing: During the recent federal government shutdown, PGCPS launched a one-stop, fast-track substitute hiring model that allowed candidates to complete the full approval process—including fingerprinting and background checks—in a single visit. One event focused on federal employees, resulting in nearly 80 newly onboarded substitute teachers who began orientation as soon as the following week.
• Improved Responsiveness: Overall improvements in customer service and responsiveness have streamlined the entire application process, ensuring a positive experience for prospective employees.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation’s 20th largest school districts, has 201 schools and centers, more than 133,000 students and nearly 20,000 employees. The school system serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities.
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