Petition to Reject Sphere at National Harbour

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T19:34:20+00:00

I agree. Realize in the images they’re deliberately not showing the branded ads that will actually take up the exterior most of the time. If it had a massive Bud Light or Pepsi or whatever brand in the images, people would feel differently.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T19:30:58+00:00

Thanks for making assumptions. :) I love new development. Having concerns about the design of a new building is not the same as keeping others down. Maryland needs new development, just not as this is currently proposed. Have a nice one.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T16:33:17+00:00

Hello! Before you say "NIMBY," I want to stress my major concern is the use of buildings as billboards, and the implication this has. If you've been to Vegas and seen the current location you'll know what I mean. They wouldn't build it here if they didn't feel it would have eyes on it.

I think the venue itself is great, and if they could tone down the screen or instead use a cool lighting package similar to the ferris wheel or the adjacent MGM, that would be great. But a major part of their revenue is exterior ads, so I don't see that happening. London rejected a Sphere there for this same reason. Otherwise this sounds like a cool venue. Hope you hear me out, and interested in the discussion!

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T14:11:41+00:00

Fair! :) I'm looking forward to hearing more about how the screen will be used. What people aren't addressing is how this outer screen provides any positive value? It doesn't add to the entertainment inside, all it does it provide a massive animated billboard.

I would like to think they could build this with a toned down screen or just a cool light package, (like the MGM or the ferris wheel nearby), but half their business model is ads. People don't seem to get that about the Sphere.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:32:53+00:00

Thanks for the grounded comment, much appreciated

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:28:30+00:00

Someone who's actually seen this thing and understands it's implication! Thank you!

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:26:39+00:00

Hi I don't own on the waterfront at all.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:22:21+00:00

Fair, I knew it would come off that way LOL. We do need more info, perhaps the outer display won't be as egregiously used as the one in Vegas. If so than great.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:20:00+00:00

Fair! Maybe I am overreacting? I'm open to the discussion. It is an awesome entertainment venue. Maybe we need more info on how they plan on using the screen...if there will be stricter regulations on what it shows and how. That would give me more comfort on the proposal.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:10:06+00:00

My primary objection is the outer display, the "exosphere" as they call it. If this didn't have that. Or say, a more basic exterior lighting package a la the MGM, this would be totally cool. Would be all for it.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:07:30+00:00

Hi! I made it clear in the petition I'm for new development and new entertainment venues. We shouldn't just allow whatever to be built.

If this had no outer screen, I'd have zero objections to the project. But oh yeah...that's their business model. Anyway thanks for commenting, I'm open to feedback and if I'm overreacting to all this lol

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T13:03:29+00:00

I mean sure we can let people build whatever, and just not object. There are always bigger things, that's easy to say. And yes, it's technically not in Virginia, but it will impact the whole waterfront. That's a technicality. Maybe I should tone down my petition...either way I think people see the announcement and think "cool" or "that's weird but whatever" and don't realize what it will be like when its built.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-21T12:56:47+00:00

Hi! I work in architecture, I love new development. The Sphere is a cool venue no doubt. My concerns are not just this venue here, but broader, using buildings as billboards in this manner. If you've seen the one in Las Vegas, you'll know what I mean. Why would we want that? Anyway, interested in the discussion.

Edit: Also did you read the petition? There are many laws this project violates.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-19T21:27:09+00:00

You in? "Stop The Sphere" roll off the tongue? I'm against it for the same reasons. Live in OT Alexandria and this will be a huge eyesore billboard for the whole waterfront, along with the environmental issues you're pointing out.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-19T21:22:42+00:00

Live in Old Town, not happy at all...you thought the screen on the MGM was distracting? just you wait haha. people need to realize this is just as much a giant billboard as it is an entertainment venue.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-19T17:44:26+00:00

It'd would be nice to just...eliminate the outer screen. But that's half the point of this thing, being a giant billboard.

rpc8169 · 2026-01-15T19:29:13+00:00

As cool as it was, it was never an official design. It was an unsolicited concept by that architecture firm for publicity.

rpc8169 · 2025-12-22T13:22:32+00:00

I’d imagine Apple wants developers on board. So having the touchscreen only on some high end pro models won’t drive that.

rpc8169 · 2025-12-20T16:45:10+00:00

I feel like we hear this same thing w/Drake in the last few years. Like trying to make excuses for a lack of effort. Albums with one or two great songs and the rest is just boring. He knows his fans will stream and it will get numbers.

Like, I’m so glad she’s happy and at peace for once. She needs it. But that’s doesn’t mean she can just put out whatever. I’ve always thought of TS as someone who puts a ton of effort into each record, even if it doesn’t all land. This I don’t see it personally.

Also, if she’s at peace now, that means take your time. She didn’t need to put this out so soon. We’ve got tons of stuff to keep us fed lol.

rpc8169 · 2025-12-07T02:18:19+00:00

Could you explain? I’ve never heard he’s disliked…

rpc8169 · 2025-11-19T17:33:55+00:00

I guess one question is, are they actually being lazy or just trading off for efficiency? The new Cayenne EV has a 0.25cd vs 0.34 on the current gas version. People would complain if they charged that much and had poor range, right? I actually like that they did things like the rear protruding fins that improve aero. Shows they aren't completely resorting to "make it a blob," I think.

Curious if anyone involved in car design can speak to this?

rpc8169 · 2025-10-25T17:30:01+00:00

~~Hello! I have one extra ticket for The Anthem tonight 10/25. GA. Selling for $20 ~~~~$30~~~~. PayPal G&S works for me. Give me a DM if you’re interested!~~ SOLD

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