Construction is underway on the South Lawn of the White House for a UFC event tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
WASHINGTON — Construction is underway on the South Lawn of the White House as construction crews raise steel arches, lighting rigs and broadcast infrastructure to complete a temporary arena for “UFC Freedom 250.”
The professional fighting event tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration is scheduled for June 14, which marks Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
The most prominent feature currently taking shape is a star-spangled arch that will stretch over the octagon fight cage, featuring a red, white and blue color scheme and extensive lighting effects. The semicircular structure behind the octagon was manufactured in Pennsylvania and shipped to Washington, where workers began assembling it earlier this week.
The bleachers around the octagon are expected to hold roughly 5,000 people, including military veterans, with no public tickets available. Beyond those stands, upward of 85,000 fans are expected to gather at Ellipse Park across from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to watch on giant screens. The event will stream on Paramount+.
TKO President Mark Shapiro, the parent company of UFC, said producing the card, including fighter pay and fan fest events, is likely to cost at least $60 million, with the possibility of running higher.
UFC CEO Dana White told Sports Business Journal that the company will spend an estimated $700,000 to replace grass that will be damaged on the South Lawn.
The main event will feature Justin Gaethje facing Ilia Topuria. The fight has been designated a Level 1 Special Event Assessment Rating, the highest security classification available.
UFC CEO Dana White has said he intends to keep the White House as the backdrop for future fights as well.