US judge allows UFC event at White House South Lawn
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Judge rules against blocking event
A federal judge has ruled against blocking an upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event scheduled to take place on the White House South Lawn. The event, dubbed “UFC Freedom 250,” is a mixed martial arts show planned for Sunday. US District Judge Amit Mehta issued the ruling, denying a request from two Virginia residents who sought to halt the event.
The plaintiffs had argued in a lawsuit filed on June 6 that the administration exceeded its authority by authorizing the event without congressional approval and by violating National Park Service regulations that prohibit sporting events on federal parklands. They also claimed that no environmental review was conducted before the construction of the event’s structures.
The lawsuit stated that the event is “private” and “for-profit,” despite claims from the UFC that it is covering all costs and not selling tickets. It alleged that the event would likely be profitable for the UFC and its partners, as VIP and sponsorship packages are being sold. Additionally, while some preliminary fights will be broadcast on cable networks, the main card is set to be exclusively broadcast on the streaming platform Paramount+.
The administration, in its court filing, contended that the plaintiffs were unlikely to succeed because they had not demonstrated how they would be harmed by the event. The Justice Department also informed Judge Mehta that there is a history of public events being held on the White House South Lawn.
Event preparations and features
The UFC Freedom 250 event will feature mixed martial arts bouts contested within an octagonal cage. This cage is situated inside a 92-foot-tall, claw-like structure, referred to as “The Claw,” which has been erected on the White House South Lawn in recent weeks. Weigh-ins for the fighters are scheduled to occur at the Lincoln Memorial.
The temporary arena is designed to accommodate over 4,000 spectators. The eight-sided cage itself measures 30 feet in diameter and features wire-mesh sides with padded corners displaying various sponsor logos, including Morgan & Morgan, Bud Light, Dodge Ram, Corona Extra, and Polymarket. The overhead “Claw” structure includes lights, speakers, wiring, and four large screens to allow fans to follow the action.
Work on the arena began on May 20 and has continued for several weeks. During a walk-through for reporters, construction noises were audible. The grass that typically grows between the White House and the arena risers has been replaced with dusty dirt, which will require resodding after the event. A large “Freedom 250” logo has also been placed between the White House and the arena.
The White House states that the UFC is covering the costs of the event. However, a court filing from the National Park Service indicates that several agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, have allocated significant resources and manpower. The event’s timing is described as a celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Pre-show activities and atmosphere
A packed schedule of pre-event activities is planned, including a press conference with UFC CEO Dana White and the fighters at the Lincoln Memorial on Friday night. A ceremonial weigh-in for combatants is also scheduled for Saturday at the Ellipse, a park near the White House.
Organizers anticipate over 120,000 visitors to watch Sunday night’s proceedings on large screens at the Ellipse after winning free tickets through a lottery. Additionally, stunt athlete Travis Pastrana is expected to perform a backflip on a dirt bike on the White House lawn as part of the pre-show extravaganza.
The event is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday. As darkness falls, crews will illuminate “The Claw” in red, white, and blue, with projections making the structure appear to be enveloped in a twirling stars and stripes pattern. The weather forecast indicates the possibility of thunderstorms, though the underside of “The Claw’s” tower offers some overhead cover for fighters.
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the show will proceed regardless of weather conditions. The sound system was tested on Thursday, producing deep rumbling and bass notes audible throughout the West Wing, with music from the lawn being loud enough to be heard during an Oval Office event.
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Source: theguardian.com
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