White House Readies 7 UFC Fights for Trump’s 80th Birthday, Seating 4,000-Plus
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 11
White House Readies 7 UFC Fights for Trump’s 80th Birthday, Seating 4,000-Plus
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 11
Summary
A 30-foot Octagon and UFC’s 90-foot “Claw” lighting rig now dominate the White House South Lawn ahead of Sunday’s seven-fight card celebrating Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the Declaration’s 250th anniversary.
More than $60 million and tens of thousands of labor hours went into the temporary arena, according to a National Park Service court filing, though the White House says UFC is covering the cost.
About 4,000 people are expected inside the South Lawn venue, while organizers expect 120,000-plus at the nearby Ellipse for a public watch party after a free-ticket lottery.
Seven federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the FAA, have committed significant manpower, and fighters and staff will use parts of the West Wing and driveway during the event.
Sunday’s 8 p.m. ET show is set to proceed rain or shine despite possible thunderstorms, with only the fighters and Trump expected to be under cover.