politics
UFC Event Planned on White House Grounds for 80th Birthday Celebration
A UFC match is scheduled on the South Lawn as part of an 80th birthday event. The production involves a 600-ton steel structure and is estimated to cost more than $60 million.
Jun 12, 3:01 PM·2m read1 source
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A UFC match is scheduled on the South Lawn as part of an 80th birthday event. The production involves a 600-ton steel structure and is estimated to cost more than $60 million. The event follows six months of military operations abroad and ongoing legislative disputes. Officials described the match as an effort to highlight the capital and reconnect with segments of the public.
Administration officials and advisers described the match as sports diplomacy. They said it offers other countries an alternative view of U.S. engagement beyond current foreign-policy tensions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a Thursday signing ceremony that sports remain one of the few areas with universal appeal.
The agreement also creates opportunities for UFC to run youth clinics and mentorship programs. Cate Dillon, assistant secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the State Department, said the pact will allow athletes, coaches, and executives to serve as unofficial ambassadors.
She added that watch parties could be hosted at embassies.
The president has overseen several physical alterations to the White House complex during the current term. These include paving the Rose Garden for use as a supper club, adding gold accents to the Oval Office, installing a Presidential Walk of Fame, and demolishing the East Wing for a ballroom still under court review.
Outside the grounds, $14.2 million has been spent renovating the Reflecting Pool and more than $67 million in National Park fees has been redirected to fountain repairs and other projects.
Some individuals close to the White House said the timing is not ideal given midterm election preparations. One person argued that resources should focus on October and November rather than the event. A White House spokeswoman, Olivia Wales, said partnerships with organizations such as the NFL and UFC advance sports diplomacy, celebrate American excellence, and strengthen ties with other countries.
