Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
UFC Prepares White House Event Contingencies as Severe Storms Threaten Sunday Crowd of Thousands
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12

UFC Prepares White House Event Contingencies as Severe Storms Threaten Sunday Crowd of Thousands

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12

Summary

  • Hourly weather updates are guiding UFC contingency plans for its Sunday event on the White House South Lawn, where severe storms could disrupt an unprecedented outdoor card.
  • Sunday afternoon and evening pose the main risk, with a potent system expected to sweep through the Ohio Valley and Northeast and put the greater Washington area in the threat zone.
  • Damaging winds are the primary concern, while large hail, lightning and a possible tornado could also affect the event and the thousands of fans expected to attend.
  • Washington storms rarely cause injuries, but a 2022 lightning strike in a park just north of the White House killed 3 people, underscoring the safety stakes.

Insights

If severe weather cancels the $60M White House UFC fight, what is the backup plan for the historic event?
What precedent does a private UFC fight set for future commercial events on the White House lawn?