Tourists divided as cage-fighting arena takes shape on the White House lawn

Tourists divided as cage-fighting arena takes shape on the White House lawn

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Construction of a cage-fighting arena continued Thursday (May 28) on the White House’s South Lawn as U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host a night of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

The arched arena is being assembled on a stretch of the grounds used for presidents’ Marine One departures and annual Easter egg rolls and picnics, alongside tennis and basketball courts, a horseshoe pit and a garden honoring presidents’ children and grandchildren.

UFC, the professional mixed martial arts league run by Trump ally Dana White, will stage a night of bouts at the executive mansion on June 14 as part of the country’s independence celebrations. The event will coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday.

Four pieces of giant metal scaffolding now rise in front of the White House, looming over the Truman Balcony, a columned terrace overlooking the South Lawn. Video screens will be suspended from them.

Tourists observing the construction work at the White House on Thursday seemed divided on the UFC event, with one calling it “cool” while another pronounced it “despicable.”