The UFC’s White House event is considered one of the boldest moves in MMA and U.S. history. It’s also considered one of the most expensive. Will it all be worth it when the fighters enter the cage on June 14?
Over a year ago, Dana White talked about putting on a fight night on the White House lawn. His friendship with President Donald Trump, who will be celebrating his birthday on Sunday, helped. Still, many believed the idea wouldn’t become a reality.
Now, with the octagon on the White House lawn and “The Claw” reaching over “The People’s House,” even the sharpest critics can’t help but give everyone involved credit.
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Per ABC, UFC Freedom 250 has been designated, via the Department of Homeland Security, as a “Special Event Assessment Review 1 event.” That’s similar to the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis 500, the Kentucky Derby, and college football games.
Add where it is, and it’s one of the most protected events of all time.
While limited, there will be tickets available for the event. However, it’s not your typical ticket because it’s not a typical event.
How much money is a UFC Freedom 250 ticket?
A number of tickets will be made available for UFC Freedom 250. On the White House lawn, tickets are available via invitation. The seating area around the arena will accommodate about 4,300 people.
Per White, Trump got 1,400 tickets, White himself got 300, while another 200 went to Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO, the parent company of the UFC.
The majority of seats will be reserved for members of the armed forces. Celebrities, political figures, and businessmen, like Elon Musk, are also expected to attend the event. The cost for a view of the fights on the lawn is reported to reach around $1.5 million.
Regular fight fans can watch the fights via The Ellipse, the public park directly south of the White House. There will be a watch party, with free tickets for about 85,000 people. There will be massive screens, stages, and live entertainment.
Registration is free through the UFC’s official website, with ticket requests fulfilled via a random drawing.
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How much was UFC Freedom 250: What was the price to make the event?
The cost of the event, from development to other factors, is around $60 million.
It will reportedly not cost any taxpayers to put on the fight night. White even said they will be losing money on the event.
“UFC is funding and paying for this entire event,” A White House official told ESPN. “There are no taxpayer dollars being used outside of what would be applied towards employees normal duties and responsibilities.
“Any public UFC Freedom 250 cost information can be derived from public interviews conducted by Dana and other UFC/TKO executives. The [WhiteHouse] has not been involved in any cost negotiations or sponsorship discussions.”
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