Trump weighs permanent retention of White House UFC arena
The proposed retention of the mixed martial arts venue marks the latest in a series of structural renovations to the presidential residence, coinciding with the first professional live sporting event on the grounds.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he may permanently retain the purpose-built arena constructed on the White House South Lawn, drawing a direct comparison to the longevity of the Eiffel Tower. Speaking on TikTok, the President stated that the structure, currently being assembled for the UFC Freedom 250 event on 14 June, is "attractive to a lot of people" and suggested authorities might choose to keep it standing indefinitely.
The comparison references the Paris landmark, originally constructed in 1889 for the World's Fair to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution. While initially intended to be dismantled after 20 years, French authorities ultimately decided to preserve the structure. Trump noted that the White House project follows a similar trajectory, stating, "Maybe we'll never, ever take it down."
Construction of the domed arches forming the octagon has commenced on the South Lawn. The event, which marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, represents the first professional live sporting event to take place on the White House grounds. The project is estimated to cost approximately $60 million (£44.3 million), with UFC President Dana White confirming that no tickets will be sold to the general public.
The arena will host approximately 4,300 attendees, predominantly military members, while an additional 85,000 free tickets are available for the public at the nearby Ellipse Park. The main card features a unification lightweight bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, alongside an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
This development follows a series of recent renovations by the Trump administration, including the addition of gold details to the Oval Office, paving the Rose Garden, refurbishing the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, and demolishing the East Wing to construct a new ballroom. The White House has previously hosted recreational sports, but this event marks a significant shift in the use of the grounds for professional commercial entertainment.
