Having over a $1.9 billion state deficit isn’t bad enough for Governor Wes Moore and other Maryland leaders. Marylanders suffering with power bills they can’t pay isn’t bad enough for Governor Wes Moore and Democrat leaders. Making the State unsafe through feckless bills hampering law enforcement isn’t extreme enough for Maryland’s Democrat leaders. They’d like to see how much more debt and suffering they can add in the years to come.
They would like to distract everyone with a costly, frivolous $200 million dollar “Mini-Sphere” Entertainment Venue at the exclusive National Harbor.
While the sphere project is in a pre-planning stage and has not been officially approved, many citizens of Maryland wonder if this 6,000-seat entertainment center is truly a priority for the state. They wonder where the electricity will come from to power such a center, as Maryland is already staring down the prospects of potential power brown outs and black outs since the state has closed almost all of its coal-based power plants in favor of getting electricity from Pennsylvania and other states.
Taxpayers know the sphere is a waste of money during a time when Marylanders can’t afford to waste one dollar.
However, Governor Wes Moore wants this project so much. In a press conference regarding the sphere, Moore gave one of his usual glib statements, disregarding reality and all concerns, “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,” Wes Moore touted in a statement obtained by FOX Baltimore. He proved once again that he truly is the “IDGAF” Governor (his words, not ours.)
He doesn’t seem to care that for many Marylanders, those dreams are being able to register their cars or pay utility bills without taking out installment plans or cutting back on food.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy, the oblivious Prince George’s County Executive, celebrated the possibility of the sphere as a “world-class win” for the county and talked about the county’s strong partnerships and the ability to attract major projects.
“This is something you’ve never really experienced unless you’ve been to the sphere before. This is a 4-D immersive experience that you get. So you don’t just hear the music but you feel it. You don’t just see a show, you experience it. ” Braveboy said in an interview with FOX 45.
Officials announce plans to develop a new Sphere venue at National Harbor
She went onto say that once she experienced it she ” had to have it.” She stated she was really excited about this “entertainment tech.”
“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,” Braveboy said.
I’m happy she feels that way. I wonder if her constituents are as happy. I wonder what their current 4-D experience is like? Based on my experience and what I hear, it’s very cold and expensive.
The Sphere would seat approximately 6,000 people and could attract various musical and dramatic acts in the future. However, tickets at the Las Vegas Sphere, which has more seats, cost from $150 per person to $1000 per person depending on acts and the level of service putting them out of reach for many residents, especially those who can’t pay high utility bills and state fees.
“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.”
Regardless of the cost to a state in deficit.
As for the National Harbor, it is listed as a true tourist destination for Washington D.C. attracting millions of visitors each year. Supporters of the project say the sphere will bring 2,500 jobs during construction and 4,750 jobs once operational, with an anticipated economic impact exceeding $1 billion annually.
Yes, and the Key Bridge was going to be rebuilt by 2028. Remember that?
The news is not all positive from the National Harbor.
Several restaurants at National Harbor have closed in recent years, including both permanent closures and long‑term temporary shutdowns. The two hotels, MGM and Gaylord, are not filled to capacity most of the time. MGM, which has a casino, claims a peak of 85% occupancy on weekends and the Gaylord, which has 3000 rooms, claims that its occupancy is “event driven” meaning it has a higher occupancy during scheduled conventions.
So, while the Sphere might bring in additional visitors, is it worth adding $200 million to the state’s already tapped out budget?
Of course, the project has to go through many different avenues to get approved. However, how much influence money will find its way to various politician’s and bureaucrat’s pockets in order to make that happen? Based on recent scandals involving Maryland non-profit funds, HHS, and state highway funds, it’s not a stretch to think that this project will also be filled with fraud and corruption.
Moore and his friends will make out like bandits.
And Maryland taxpayers will be left, once again, holding the bag. One filled with debt and desperation.
-Jan Greenhawk
The post Debt Ridden Maryland Plans To Build A “Sphere Entertainment Venue” At National Harbor appeared first on The Easton Gazette.
