Construction has begun at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States, where a UFC fighting cage is being built on the South Lawn ahead of next month’s event marking 250 years of American independence.
Workers were observed putting up domed arch structures and a central staging platform.
Based on online renderings, the setup will be transformed into an octagon-shaped arena enclosed by a wire-mesh fence and surrounded by thousands of temporary seats for spectators.
The White House has previously hosted ceremonial and recreational activities, but this will be the first time a professional sporting event is staged on its grounds.
President Donald Trump has described the project as the “biggest event” the UFC has ever held, adding it will feature an “arena right outside the front door of the White House”.
The event, titled UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for 14 June and is expected to cost around $60m (£44.3m) in production and infrastructure spending.
Despite the scale of the build-up, the card will be headlined by just two title fights.
Brazil’s Alex Pereira is set to face France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship, while Georgia’s Ilia Topuria will take on interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje of the United States.
Dana White said earlier this month that about 4,300 people will be accommodated on the South Lawn, with most attendees being members of the military.
In addition, 85,000 free tickets will be distributed for viewing at nearby Ellipse Park, while no tickets will be sold directly to the public.
“I have never seen anybody want anything so much as people want those tickets,” President Trump said, referring to the overwhelming demand.
The UFC also plans to offer premium “high roller” packages for select VIP guests, reportedly costing around $1.5m according to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, granting exclusive access to the event.
According to its parent company TKO Group Holdings, the UFC will not generate profit from the show, with president Mark Shapiro calling it “an investment for the long term”.
The project adds to a series of recent changes to the White House complex, including upgrades to the Oval Office, alterations to the Rose Garden, refurbishment of the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, and demolition of the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom.
