‘Maybe we’ll never ever take it down’: Trump says UFC arena at White House could stay permanently
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Donald Trump proposed permanently keeping the UFC arena being built on the White House South Lawn, comparing it to the Eiffel Tower, which was originally meant to be temporary but became a lasting monument.
- The octagonal UFC ring, featuring 90ft steel arches with American flag patterns and numerous cameras, is set to host seven fights on June 14 to celebrate Trump’s 80th birthday and the US 250th anniversary.
- UFC is funding the event, with costs estimated at $60 million, including construction, fighter pay, and fan gatherings, and will spend about $700,000 to restore the South Lawn grass afterward; the event is not expected to be profitable.
- The arena will accommodate 4,500 spectators, mainly military personnel, with no public tickets available, while an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 people can watch on screens nearby.
- The Freedom 250 card includes two title fights but has received a lukewarm response from fighters and fans.