An elaborate UFC event planned for this weekend on the White House South Lawn has demanded extensive coordination from more than seven federal agencies, hundreds of daily workers, and a minimum of $60 million in expenses, court documents reveal.
The mixed martial arts spectacle forms part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, with seven fights scheduled for Sunday as the centerpiece attraction.
However, the event could face cancellation if a federal judge grants a request from two Virginia residents who have sued the National Park Service, the agency responsible for overseeing the South Lawn.
In a Tuesday court filing responding to the lawsuit, the agency outlined the massive scope of preparations for the event.
“Well over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been expended,” the filing stated, noting that the UFC and its associated organizations provided the funding.
The centerpiece of the constructed arena features the traditional eight-sided cage where fighters will compete, sometimes resulting in bloodied contestants.
Organizers expect 4,000 spectators in the arena itself, while an additional 120,000 visitors who secured tickets through an online lottery system will view the action from the nearby Ellipse.
Construction activities commenced on May 20, with the Secret Service collaborating with the UFC to inspect between 20 and 30 equipment trucks and screen “700 and 900” personnel arriving daily for setup operations.
While the filing doesn’t detail specific government expenditures, it notes that seven agencies, including Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, have “allocated significant resources and manpower.”
Weekend festivities begin Saturday with an official weigh-in ceremony at the Ellipse, followed by a performance from country music act Zac Brown Band.
Throughout the weekend, a UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest will feature “interactive experiences,” live performances, celebrity appearances, “exclusive on-stage moments,” meet and greets, live music and athlete interviews.
The seven competitive matches are set for Sunday evening. Following the event’s conclusion, the president plans to depart for France to attend the G7 summit.
Teardown operations will commence the following day, with complete removal expected by June 23.
Fourteen fighters will participate, following intense preparation regimens that begin months ahead of competition, culminating in severe weight reduction and dietary modifications during the final week, including fasting, extended sauna sessions and hot Epsom salt baths.
Competitors may shed up to 20 pounds before official weigh-ins, a process intended to ensure fair competition between athletes of similar weight classes.
The Public Integrity Project filed the lawsuit Saturday representing the two Virginia residents, contending that the president’s event approval violates National Park Service rules that prohibit sporting competitions on federal parkland.
Attorney Brendan Ballou described the event as a “corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain.”
The National Park Service disputed this characterization while detailing the event’s extensive preparations to emphasize potential consequences.
“All these hopes could be dashed at the very last moment,” the agency wrote, “by the whim of two people who believe they have superior taste and want to spoil the event for everyone else.”
