Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 12

Zac Brown Defends White House UFC Anthem Gig as 8,000 Service Members Are Expected

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 12

Zac Brown Defends White House UFC Anthem Gig as 8,000 Service Members Are Expected

Q: Amidst a federal lawsuit and logistical challenges, will the first-ever UFC event on the White House lawn proceed as planned?

Yes. As of June 12, the White House UFC event is still expected to go forward on Sunday, June 14, unless a judge grants a last-minute injunction or severe weather forces changes. The strongest indicator is that preparations are already deep underway. A temporary arena and the large steel arch known as “the Claw” have been installed on the South Lawn, security planning is in place, and the full event schedule remains active. Zac Brown has confirmed he will sing the national anthem with the Marine Band, and organizers are still planning for thousands of service members and large crowds at related events. The main threat is the federal lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project, which seeks an emergency order blocking the event. The suit argues the setup violates National Park Service rules, lacks required approvals, and should have undergone environmental review. But no court order has stopped the event so far, and government lawyers say the event is properly permitted, the structures are temporary, and halting it now would waste major financial and logistical commitments already made. Weather is the other major uncertainty. Forecasts call for intense heat and a chance of thunderstorms, which could affect timing or operations for an outdoor fight card. UFC officials have indicated weather would only stop proceedings under more serious conditions such as lightning. So, barring an adverse court ruling or dangerous weather, the event appears set to proceed as planned.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 12

Zac Brown said he will still sing the national anthem at Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 on the White House grounds, rejecting criticism tied to performing under President Donald Trump.
On “The Pat McAfee Show,” Brown framed the appearance as support for troops and patriotism rather than politics, saying he expects about 8,000 service members to attend.
The June 14 event is being staged on the South Lawn for the 250th anniversary of the United States, with preparations including a roughly 90-foot steel arch known as the “claw.”
A lawsuit filed over the weekend by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two Virginia residents seeks to block the match, arguing it will disrupt the White House and National Mall area.