The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal review of a proposed $1 billion entertainment venue near MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Planning documents filed with the Prince George’s County Planning Department reveal that Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. intends to construct a 6,000-seat “Sphere” that would reach a total height of 480 feet above sea level, including a 302-foot structure.
The project site is located less than 3.5 air miles from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Crucially, the proposed venue sits approximately one mile east of a primary flight path used by aircraft arriving at DCA. The FAA confirmed it is evaluating the potential hazard to navigation, noting that while its recommendations are not legally binding, local planning boards typically defer to federal safety determinations regarding structure heights.
“Under federal law, developers must give the FAA the opportunity to evaluate proposed structures near airports to determine whether they could pose a hazard to aircraft or interfere with navigation aids,” the FAA stated. If the agency identifies a hazard, it will likely seek to negotiate a reduction in the structure’s height.
Despite the regulatory hurdles, the project has garnered significant support from local and state officials, who have offered $200 million in incentives. Projections from Ernst & Young suggest the venue could generate over $128 million in annual combined state and county tax revenue, while creating 7,100 jobs during and after construction. The proposed Sphere would occupy 14 acres between the MGM National Harbor casino resort and Monument Avenue.