Lincoln Memorial visitors were met with temporary fencing, stage lights, large monitors and crews preparing to turn the historic location into an Ultimate Fighting Championship press conference ahead of Friday’s kickoff to President Donald Trump’s cage fight on the White House lawn.
The National Mall was bustling with busy crews moving equipment that slightly obstructed the view of the Reflecting Pool from the top of the Lincoln Memorial stairs, according to photos posted online Tuesday evening.
“It’s awful,” Trudy Rumbaugh, a visitor from Vermont, told DC News Now. “It detracts from the beauty of the monuments. And it’s obstructive.”
Sherry Corsiglia, whose husband is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, told DC News Now that the National Mall construction and noise, from crews testing out the sound system, was “disappointing.”
Crews are preparing the stage for Friday’s press conference, when fighters participating in UFC Freedom 250 will meet at the Lincoln Memorial. The presser kicks off the weekend of events that is both celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s birthday on June 14.
Although the Lincoln Memorial is still open, the constant construction for both the UFC Freedom 250 press conference and the Great American State Fair was considered distracting by many.
Malcolm Davis, a visitor from North Carolina, told DC News Now that while he was “glad” the administration was celebrating America’s 250th, the construction “sours your experience a bit.”
The Independent has asked the National Park Service for comment.
Views of the White House have also been overshadowed by a massive arch that has been erected over the octagonal cage on the South Lawn. The 600-ton steel arch, decorated in the American flag, is visible from the street and nearby buildings.
The president joked with reporters that he was considering keeping the arch up indefinitely, but later clarified that it would come down after the fight.
It’s unclear how long the equipment for the UFC press conference will remain at the Lincoln Memorial, and whether it will disrupt visiting hours.
As of now, visitors appear to be able to visit the Lincoln Memorial, despite some views being obstructed.
This weekend, UFC is producing a cage match on the White House lawn for the first time as part of an America 250 celebration. Trump, a longtime fan of UFC and a close friend of UFC President and CEO Dana White, is hosting the event in person for close friends and allies but allowing the public to stream the match.
All weekend, members of the public can congregate at the Lincoln Memorial and on the Ellipse to watch the events. Friday’s press conference is open to the public, while Saturday and Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest is open to ticketed attendees.
Sunday’s cage match can be streamed or those with tickets can attend a free watch party on the Ellipse.
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