Thousands have descended on the Ellipse in Washington DC on Sunday afternoon in anxious anticipation for the UFC Freedom 250 card at the nearby White House.
The historic fight night is set to take place on Sunday evening – which just so happens to be Donald Trump’s 80th birthday – on the White House’s South Lawn.Â
The UFC has said it spent $60 million on this weekend’s festivities, which are to mark both the nation’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s birthday. The Republican president has billed it as ‘the greatest show on earth.’Â
And UFC fans and patriots alike were not missing out on the chance to snatch a front row seat as they arrived at the promotion’s fan fest hours before the fighters were slated to take to the Octagon on the South Lawn.Â
The President will, of course, take center stage. Trump is planning to walk out of the White House surrounded by cabinet leaders, top administration officials, Republican lawmakers and 4,000-plus spectators screaming themselves hoarse in a temporary arena under ‘The Claw,’ a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with lighting, sound equipment and large screens.Â
Thousands more – those who had been waiting in line long before the first fight – are set to watch on big screens from the nearby Ellipse.
‘This event is a one of one event, incredible event. I love it,’ said UFC chief Dana White, a close friend of the president, during a Friday night hype session at the Lincoln Memorial.Â
MORE TO FOLLOW…Â
Fans line up as the gates open for the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest at The Ellipse on June 14,
Fans in red MAGA hats can be seen on The Ellipse for the free UFC Freedom 250 watch party
This is the planned setup for Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 on the White House’s South Lawn
Cranes are seen near the White House ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday
A satellite image shows the White House and The Ellipse after the construction of the setup
House speaker and Trump ally Mike Johnson has arrived at UFC Freedom 250
