UFC White House arena revealed as Freedom 250 setup nears completion

The UFC White House arena opened to press Wednesday for the first time, and the temporary venue built on the South Lawn appears ready for Sunday's Freedom 250 card.

Reporters walked through the completed setup three days before the June 14 event, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. MMA Mania described the Claw structure as far more imposing in person than photos suggested, with a covered roof wide enough to protect the cage from anything short of severe weather. Giant screens hang from each leg of the Claw, flanking a view of the White House itself — a visual centerpiece Dana White insisted on when pitching the concept nearly a year ago.

What the Freedom 250 arena looks like inside

Large UFC Freedom 250 plaques mark the entryway into the seating bowl, which holds 4,000 spectators. A designated space appears set aside for a live orchestra. More than half the audience is expected to be active-duty military personnel, per multiple reports.

The production team has spent recent nights calibrating lighting effects on the Claw. White previously said he expects Super Bowl-level viewership for the Paramount Plus exclusive broadcast, which begins at 8 p.m. ET with no CBS simulcast planned for undercard bouts.

The card features Ilia Topuria defending his featherweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event, with weigh-ins set for Saturday afternoon.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Video: Check out the inside of the UFC White House arena for the first time