Pat McAfee is adding another unconventional chapter to his fast-growing media resume, this time with a live broadcast from one of the most historic locations in the United States.
During Thursday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee revealed that his program will broadcast live from the White House in conjunction with a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on June 14. McAfee explained that the idea originated during an unexpected interaction with President Donald Trump at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
McAfee was invited to meet the president during halftime, despite being in the middle of his own live broadcast responsibilities.
“Mike Foss [ESPN Senior Vice President, Sports Studio & Entertainment] gets a text from the Secret Service that goes, ‘Hey, the President would like to invite Pat up to his suite if he has time. 8:15 would be good,’” McAfee said. “I look at the clock like we’re in the middle of a broadcast. Is there any other times? So they said, ‘Would you like to go up there halftime?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, sweet. That’ll be cool.’”
It was during that brief meeting that McAfee decided to pitch what would soon become reality.
“Then I started talking about the White House fight,” McAfee said. “I said, ‘Hey, would love to be able to do the show from the White House for the fight.’ And he goes, ‘Really?’ And I go, ‘Good?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah.’”
McAfee revealed the conversation during a guest appearance by UFC President Dana White, who confirmed the exchange and plans are in the works.
McAfee described the exchange as casual and spontaneous, yet meaningful enough that he left hoping the moment had been captured. In sharing his excitement for the opportunity, he reflected on the significance of the upcoming broadcast with the country’s 250th birthday occurring.
“250 years old. That’s a long time being in a country, and not often sports with White House happen,” he said. “Other than like, championship teams go there. I obviously didn’t get a chance to do that. So now we’re going to be live from the White House for this.”
While ESPN has not confirmed the plans stated by McAfee, White supported the concept and is looking forward to housing the program as part of the festivities in June.
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