As more than 15,000 fans left Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena following the Backstreet Boys concert on Wednesday night, an extraordinary transformation got underway. Within just 18 hours, over 800 crew members dressed in black descended on the arena floor to convert the venue, which had been filled with ’90s and early 2000s music, into a fierce octagon for UFC 308—setting the stage for adrenaline-pumping hand-to-hand combat.
This rapid makeover highlights the operational agility that makes the UFC one of the world’s most popular and efficiently run touring events, with over 30 fights hosted annually in Abu Dhabi, Europe, South America, and the United States.
Etihad Arena shared exclusive time-lapse footage and transformation details with The National ahead of Saturday’s UFC 308. Dismantling the Backstreet Boys stage alone required five hours, followed by the UFC crew dedicating 500 man-hours to clean and prep the space. Both events involved 206 rigging points, supporting 85 tonnes of suspended equipment. Outside the arena, crews prepared the parking facilities for up to 3,900 vehicles. By the time the UFC press conference began at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, the arena was primed for one of its largest fight events.
“Our ability to seamlessly transform the venue from hosting a sensational Backstreet Boys concert to staging an electrifying UFC event showcases the unparalleled versatility of our team and facilities,” said Marcus Osborne, Etihad Arena’s general manager. “This rapid turnaround not only highlights our commitment to operational excellence but also ensures that we continue to provide diverse and unforgettable experiences for all our guests.”
