President Trump says he may keep UFC arena on White House lawn permanently
President Donald Trump said the UFC arena, which was recently installed on the White House lawn, could remain open permanently after the June 14 fight.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said the Ultimate Fighting Championship Arena, which was recently installed on the South Lawn of the White House, may remain as a permanent facility after the fight on the night of June 14 is over.
In a video posted to TikTok on June 2, President Trump likened the towering UFC arena known as “The Crow” to France’s Eiffel Tower, which was supposed to be demolished after the 1889 World’s Fair.
“They never took it down. We’re building something in front of the White House that is very attractive to a lot of people,” Trump said in the video. “There’s a big UFC fight coming up on June 14th, and I’m looking at it, but we’ll probably never beat it.”
Mr. Trump, who quickly finished his remarks with a smile on his face, likely just threw out a suggestion that would raise questions among his critics. Again, Trump has never shied away from breaking White House norms. Hence why we held the UFC event in the first place.
The 90-foot-tall structure will tower above the White House and include lighting, audio and video boards atop the octagonal cage where UFC fighters compete. The device can be seen from most angles of the White House, making the grounds look like a theme park.
President Trump said the arena could hold about 5,000 spectators and promised that night’s fight would be “the largest event ever held at the White House.” The day marks President Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day, and is part of a year in which his administration celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary. The UFC plans to cover the costs of hosting the tournament.
President Trump said an additional 75,000 to 100,000 spectators will be able to watch the UFC event for free on large screens off the White House Ellipse.
The temporary UFC arena was suddenly added to the crowded White House skyline as two construction cranes moved in for President Trump’s massive ballroom work on the east side of the iconic building.
As a result of the UFC’s review, President Trump will be forced to suspend travel to and from the South Lawn on Marine One and instead rely on a motorcade to travel to and from Joint Base Andrews, where the president flies Air Force One.
President Trump was joined at the White House on May 6 by UFC fighters Justin Gaethje and Ilya Topuria, who will compete in the headliner fight, as well as Alex Pereira and Cyril Gane, who will compete in one of the other seven bouts.
X Contact Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.
