Inside the Octagon at the White House

What has been a spectacle to the casual observer over the past few weeks, the massive set built to house one of the year’s biggest sporting events, is set to take place this weekend.

President Donald Trump agreed to host the Ultimate Fighting Championship at the White House. And then came the building of the set. 

For weeks during construction of the stage where the fights were to take place, a large and overarching canopy loomed over the top of the White House, causing some to call it desecration, others to say it was an eyesore. However, to the UFC fan, there is only interest in what’s underneath. The Octagon. 

The Octagon

Under the canopy, in the middle of thousands of seats, sits the cage where the fighters will square off. The Octagon, a term trademarked by the UFC, is the eight-sided, 30-foot in diameter, fenced cage. 

The edges of each side angle of the cage is padded with the traditional UFC wire mesh that meets with padded corners. And alongside the pads and on the mat itself are the familiar sponsors and brands such as Morgan & Morgan, Bud Light, Dodge Ram, Corona Extra and Polymarket. 

Surrounding the cage is a seating arrangement of gray folding chairs to make the area complete for the 4,000-plus people expected in attendance. 

Fight night on Sunday would find the fighters and their entourages to take over the driveway and portions of the West Wing when they're on standby before their fight. However, when "it’s time" they’ll enter the arena through a curtained-off walkway. 

The unattractive attraction

According to recent court documents, it was detailed that the UFC has spent over $60 million and thousands of man hours to build the area on the South Lawn. 

Managed by the National Park Service, the South Lawn is an 18-acre lot that sits on the property of the White House, where one may commonly find the White House Easter Egg Roll every year, or where Marine One usually lands to take the president in-and-out of town. 

Big picture view:

The Claw, a towering spider-like arch structure, is packed with lighting rigs, speakers, wiring and giant screens. It rises higher than any part of the White House. 

Many reporters have said the structure looks more "UFO than UFC" as the arches creep over one of the most iconic views of the historic mansion. 

What they're saying:

Without much covering, there is a possibility of rain. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C. is calling for hot and muggy conditions with possible thunderstorms. However, the fights will go on, rain or shine. President Trump, who, of course, will be in attendance, will likely watch from a protected, covered area. 

 

PoliticsSportsU.S.News