Photo Credit | UFC.com
In celebration of America’s semiquincentennial this summer, President Donald Trump and his administration are partnering with several sports organizations to hold events in Washington, D.C. Two of those organizations, the UFC and IndyCar, recently announced more details on upcoming contests.
The UFC will host an event at the White House on June 14 in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The show will feature six matches, including two championship bouts. Ilia Topuria will be defending the World Lightweight Championship against Justin Gaethje. Alex Pereira will also be defending the Interim Heavyweight Championship against Ciryl Gane.
UFC President Dana White explained that he chose the card with the fights that were possible. He said that 85,000 fans will be able to watch on screens near the White House at the Ellipse.
“There’s going to be all kinds of cool stuff, so even if you can’t get tickets, you should be in D.C. the week of the fight,” White said. “The press conference is going to be at the Lincoln Memorial. It’s going to be fun.”
Meanwhile, IndyCar will be hosting the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in the nation’s capital, August 22-23, later this year. The company just announced the details of the race this week. The event will be free to the public and will feature a “1.7‑mile, seven‑turn layout, blending the high‑speed demands of INDYCAR racing with the historic character and stunning visuals of the nation’s capital.”
In a press release, IndyCar explained that the race will take place in part “on a sweeping 0.4-mile frontstretch along Pennsylvania Avenue, framed by the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol,” as well as near the “Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Archives on the challenging and picturesque course layout.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the design of the track.
“The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will showcase American ingenuity in engineering and technology along the backdrop of our historic capital in a spectacle that will leave the world in awe. President Trump and our partners at INDYCAR are preparing a historic celebration worthy of America’s 250th anniversary,” Duffy said. “The design of this unique and competitive track will deliver an exhilarating and safe experience for millions of Americans to enjoy and celebrate.”
IndyCar explained that the race was formalized through Trump’s executive order “Celebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing” on January 30.
As AMAC Newsline previously reported, the Trump administration is working with every major American sports league to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WWE have also indicated their interest in partnering with the White House.
Alan Jamison is the pen name of a political writer with extensive experience writing for several notable politicians and news outlets.
