Trump's Octagon Bash
White House South Lawn Octagon ready for Trump's 80th birthday UFC fights despite pending lawsuit.
Anonymous
A massive temporary arena now dominates the White House South Lawn, built for seven UFC fights celebrating President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and America's 250th anniversary. The structure soars more than 90 feet into the air and seats over 4,000 people — making it the largest commercial use of the White House grounds in U.S. history, according to AP News.
Fights are scheduled for Sunday, June 14 — Flag Day and Trump's birthday. A pre-event press conference at the Lincoln Memorial is set for Friday, followed by ceremonial weigh-ins on Saturday. The total production cost is estimated at $60 million, funded by the UFC and affiliated groups, AP News reports.
Inside the Octagon That Swallowed the South Lawn
The arena, nicknamed 'The Claw,' features a four-sided steel structure arcing 92 feet into the air. It holds massive lights, speakers, thick cables, and four large screens. Construction trucks — up to 30 per day — began arriving on May 20, with Secret Service agents screening every vehicle, AP News reported.
The event, branded 'UFC Freedom 250,' will stream on Paramount+. Up to 120,000 additional fans are expected to watch on large screens at the nearby Ellipse through a free public ticket lottery. UFC CEO Dana White has made clear nothing will stop the show. 'I don't care if it snows, rains, we're going,' White said, according to CP24.
Headlining Fighters and a Historic Fight Card
The main event pits Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje for the UFC Lightweight Championship. The co-main event features Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC Heavyweight title, according to BBC Sport. Media Day took place June 10 in Washington, D.C., with 14 fighters in attendance.
UFC Heavyweight Josh Hokit showed up to D.C. wearing an American flag bandana. He said he is 'honored to compete' in front of the President, according to CP24. Trump himself has called the arena a symbol of 'the American fighting spirit' and compared its architecture to the Eiffel Tower, AP News reports.
Lawsuit Tries to Pull the Plug Before Sunday
The watchdog group Public Integrity Project filed a federal lawsuit on June 6, seeking an emergency order to stop the event. The group represents a Vietnam veteran and a civic activist from Virginia. Lead attorney Brendan Ballou called it a 'private, commercial, corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments,' according to WUSA9.
The National Park Service pushed back in court, revealing that seven federal agencies — including the Department of Homeland Security and the FAA — have committed major resources to the event. Legal analysts told Northeastern Global News the challenge may be 'too little, too late' given the $60 million already spent and the near-complete arena.
South Lawn Damage Could Take Months to Repair
The arena covers nearly the entire South Lawn. Restoring the grounds after the event is expected to cost around $700,000 and take several months, according to National Parks Traveler. Career NPS employees have warned that the construction is causing damage that exceeds the administration's stated repair budget.
Critics argue the event sets a dangerous legal precedent. If courts allow it, watchdog groups warn it could open federal landmarks to future commercial use under the label of 'national celebrations.' The White House has dismissed all legal challenges as 'obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory,' comparing the UFC Octagon to the annual Easter Egg Roll, AP News reported.
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