A Sporting History of the White House: From Tennis Courts to UFC Bouts

The White House and its South Lawn have a long tradition of hosting sporting events. Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, Herbert Hoover, and George W. Bush all introduced various sports activities during their terms. However, never has it seen an event like the UFC bout hosted by President Donald Trump for his 80th birthday. A large, wire-mesh cage structure features an overhead dome and big screens, surrounded by thousands of arena seats. This marks a shift from the traditional low-contact sports and children’s events usually held there, like the Easter Egg Roll or congressional picnics.

Historian Michael Patrick Cullinane notes that sports have been central to presidents’ lives, but never as much spectacle under Trump. Teddy Roosevelt pioneered sports at the White House by installing a tennis court to encourage relaxation. Roosevelt loved the game, although he didn’t play well; he took to the court daily for long matches. He also boxed at the White House, with a famous incident detaching his left eye’s retina.

Various other presidents have incorporated sports into their lives at the White House. Herbert Hoover played a mix of tennis and volleyball, leading to Hoover-ball. Franklin D. Roosevelt built an indoor pool for polio therapy. The first President Bush reinstated a horseshoe pit, originally removed by Harry Truman. George W. Bush hosted T-ball games for military personnel’s children.

Presidents often mix sports and politics, using them to connect with voters and project vitality. John F. Kennedy preferred touch football to golf due to optics. Nixon built a bowling alley but emphasized his love of football. Obama filled out NCAA brackets and repainted tennis facilities as a basketball court. Trump’s hosting of the UFC is unprecedented in presidential entertainment.

Historians like Tevi Troy identify the UFC event as a mix of athletic and celebrity influences. Trump has been a UFC fan, showcasing friendship with the league’s chief, Dana White, during his 2024 presidential campaign. His approach aligns with bare-knuckled politics, such as his comments on setting up a league where migrants fight.

The South Lawn octagon was erected quickly for temporary use, but Trump has mused about keeping it permanently, likening its appeal to the Eiffel Tower’s initially temporary status. Troy speculates that Trump’s tradition-breaking may influence accepted norms in celebrity and sports. Trump’s approach reflects a willingness to challenge existing precedents without concern.

Associated Press writer Darelene Superville contributed to this report.