Trump’s White House UFC fight needs $60mn, 7 agencies
WASHINGTON, June 11: US President Donald Trump’s planned UFC event on the White House South Lawn has involved a massive logistical effort, with more than seven federal agencies, hundreds of workers and over USD 60 million in spending, according to court documents.
The event, part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, is scheduled for this weekend and will feature seven mixed martial arts bouts on Sunday.
Details emerged in a legal filing by the National Park Service (NPS), which is defending the event against a federal lawsuit seeking to stop it. Two Virginia residents, represented by the Public Integrity Project, argue that holding a sporting event on federal parkland violates NPS regulations and amounts to an improper use of a national landmark.
The filing revealed that more than USD 60 million and tens of thousands of labour hours have already been invested in preparations, with funding provided by the UFC and affiliated organisations. Construction of the arena began on May 20. The event centrepiece is an octagonal cage set up on the South Lawn, surrounded by seating for 4,000 spectators. An additional 120,000 visitors, selected through an online lottery, are expected to watch from the nearby Ellipse.
Security and logistics have required extensive government involvement. The US Secret Service screened between 20 and 30 trucks carrying equipment each day, along with 700 to 900 workers involved in the installation. The filing said agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration have committed significant personnel and resources to the event.
Festivities begin with a ceremonial weigh-in and fan activities, followed by a concert by the Zac Brown Band. A UFC Fan Fest will run throughout the weekend, featuring celebrity appearances, athlete interviews, live entertainment and interactive exhibits.
The seven fights are scheduled for Sunday night, after which Trump is expected to depart for France to attend the G7 summit. The temporary arena and related infrastructure are scheduled to be dismantled by June 23.
The lawsuit remains pending, but the National Park Service argued that halting the event at the last moment would waste substantial investments and disrupt plans for thousands of attendees. (AP)
