Americans on Thursday got an up-close look Thursday at the outdoor arena built on the White House lawn for this weekend's UFC Freedom 250 match that will include an array of events across the nation's capital. 

The octagon and seating were opened to reporters and news photographers who snapped pictures, took video and did "live shots" for their network's morning shows, giving Americans and others their first close look at the venue – beyond the arch known as "the claw" – that for weeks has towered over the White House as construction below continued. ​

The White House is billing the event Sunday as “a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.”

​Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the events that take place as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, which coincides with President Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day.  

The 92-foot-high claw is equipped with large video screens and an extensive lighting system. The structure's size appears to address concerns about weather giving the Octogen protection from potential rainfall. Forecasts show a hot and muggy weekend, with a chance of scattered thunderstorms around the D.C area.

UFC President Dana White has long envisioned an event staged at the White House serving as the background and weather is not going to stop his vision.

"I don't care if it snows, rains, whatever, we're going," White, who is friends with Trump, told reporters Tuesday. 

The fight card will air live on Paramount+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET, culminating in a lightweight title bout with champion Ilia Topuria defending his belt against Justin Gaetje. The co-main event features a heavyweight interim bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. A late addition to the card was a heavyweight bout between Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit at the request of President Trump.

Alongside the main event, UFC is hosting a two-day fan festival at the Ellipse, directly across from the White House South Lawn, offering interactive experiences for fans. 

Saturday’s fan fest begins at 8:30 p.m. ET with a ceremonial weigh-in followed by a concert by country music legends “The Zac Brown Band.” Then Sunday will bring fans back to the Ellipse for a watch party steps away from the South Lawn, which the UFC is calling "more than a watch party; it’s a shared live event experience."

The official press conference is scheduled for Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET at the Lincoln Memorial, featuring fighter face-offs and questions from the media ahead of Sunday's bouts. Any additional information can be found at UFC’s event page.

4,000 invited guests are expected to attend the security-limited arena at the White House. Large-scale events on the White House grounds are rare but not unprecedented, with past administrations hosting major public celebrations.