Dana White Says Only Lightning Can Halt June 14 White House UFC Event for 5,000
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 28
Dana White Says Only Lightning Can Halt June 14 White House UFC Event for 5,000
10 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 28
June 14's UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn will go ahead in rain or even snow, with Dana White saying only lightning would force a stoppage.
Lightning nearby would pause the outdoor card for at least 30 minutes under standard Washington safety protocols, and White said UFC officials will monitor conditions closely with the military.
The military will provide weather updates every two hours starting 10 days out and every hour starting seven days out, reflecting concern over Washington's frequent summer thunderstorms.
The temporary arena is set to seat 5,000 people, while about 85,000 more could watch from the Ellipse and National Mall during the U.S. 250th-birthday celebration.
As the UFC makes history at the White House, is this the ultimate merger of sports entertainment and national identity?
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Will the White House's first live sporting event forever change how America's most historic landmarks are used?