Monster Jam is one of the most exciting live motorsport events in the world, featuring massive trucks, high-flying stunts, and intense competitions. Whether you are a lifelong fan or planning your first trip to the stadium, knowing how to navigate the schedule and ticket options is essential for a smooth experience. This guide provides a straightforward look at how to find event dates, secure your seats, and prepare for a day of high-octane entertainment.
How to Find Monster Jam Event Dates
Monster Jam tours extensively throughout the year, visiting major cities across North America and various international locations. The tour is generally divided into two main formats: stadium shows and arena shows. Stadium shows are typically held in large outdoor venues during the spring and summer, while arena shows take place in smaller indoor venues during the winter months.
To find the most accurate and up-to-date schedule, you should always check the official tour page on the Monster Jam website. You can search by city, state, or zip code to find the event nearest to you. It is also helpful to follow their official social media channels, as new tour dates and special championship events are often announced there first.
Understanding the Different Tour Series
Monster Jam operates several different tours simultaneously, which can sometimes be confusing for new fans. Here are the three main types of series you might encounter:
- Stadium Championship Series: These events feature the largest tracks and the most famous trucks, often held in NFL or MLB stadiums.
- Arena Championship Series: These are held in smaller indoor venues. While the space is tighter, the action is more intimate, allowing fans to get closer to the dirt.
- International Tour: This series brings the excitement of monster trucks to fans in Europe, Asia, and South America.
A Guide to Buying Monster Jam Tickets
Securing tickets for a Monster Jam event is a straightforward process, but timing is everything. Popular shows in major cities often sell out weeks in advance, especially for Saturday afternoon performances. To get the best seats at the best prices, it is recommended to purchase your tickets as soon as the schedule is released.
The most reliable way to buy tickets is through the official Monster Jam website, which will redirect you to authorized primary sellers like Ticketmaster or the venue’s specific box office. Purchasing from primary sellers ensures that your tickets are authentic and that you are paying the face-value price without excessive markups from third-party resellers.
Tips for Finding the Best Seats
When choosing your seats, consider the perspective you want. In a stadium setting, sitting higher up often provides a better view of the entire track, allowing you to see the full scale of the jumps and flips. In an arena setting, lower-level seats put you right in the middle of the noise and the action, though you may want to stay a few rows back to avoid potential dust and debris.
What to Expect at the Pit Party
One of the most unique aspects of the Monster Jam experience is the Pit Party. This is a pre-show event that allows fans to walk onto the actual track where the trucks will be competing. It is a fantastic opportunity for families and die-hard fans to see the massive machines up close and appreciate their scale.
During the Pit Party, you can meet the drivers, get autographs, and take photos with the trucks. Because this is a very popular part of the day, it requires a separate ticket or a specific “Pit Pass.” Most Pit Parties happen several hours before the main event starts, so be sure to check the specific timing for your venue so you don’t miss out.
How to Get Pit Passes
You can usually add a Pit Pass to your order when you buy your event tickets. Occasionally, local sponsors or retailers may offer free Pit Passes with the purchase of specific products, so keep an eye out for local promotions in your area. Remember that the Pit Party ends about an hour before the main show begins to allow the crew to prepare the track.
Famous Trucks and Technical Specs
The stars of the show are, of course, the trucks themselves. These are not your average pickups; they are custom-built racing machines designed to withstand incredible impacts. A standard Monster Jam truck stands about 10.5 feet tall, 12.5 feet wide, and weighs approximately 12,000 pounds.
Each truck is powered by a methanol-injected engine that produces about 1,500 horsepower. This power allows the trucks to reach high speeds quickly and launch themselves 30 feet into the air. Here are a few of the most iconic trucks you are likely to see:
- Grave Digger: Perhaps the most famous monster truck in history, known for its green and black graveyard-themed paint job.
- Max-D: Short for Maximum Destruction, this truck is known for its futuristic look and daring aerodynamic stunts.
- El Toro Loco: A fan-favorite “crazy bull” truck that often features smoke coming out of its nostrils.
- Megalodon: A shark-themed truck that has become an instant hit with younger fans.
Essential Tips for Attending the Event
To ensure your family has the best possible time, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind before you head to the venue. Monster Jam events are loud, dusty, and high-energy, so preparation is key.
Protect Your Hearing
The most important piece of advice for any attendee is to bring ear protection. The roar of 1,500-horsepower engines inside a stadium or arena is extremely loud, reaching levels that can be uncomfortable or even damaging to unprotected ears. This is especially important for children. High-quality earmuffs or foam earplugs are essential items for every member of your group.
Dress for the Environment
If you are attending a stadium show, check the weather forecast and dress in layers. For indoor arena shows, keep in mind that the temperature is often kept cool to accommodate the engines. Additionally, because the trucks run on dirt, the air can become a bit dusty. If you have respiratory sensitivities, you might consider wearing a light mask during the high-action segments.
Check Venue Bag Policies
Most modern stadiums and arenas have strict clear-bag policies. Before you leave home, check the specific venue’s website to see what size and type of bags are allowed. Usually, you are permitted one clear plastic bag and a small clutch. Prohibited items often include outside food, large cameras, and strollers, so plan accordingly.
Making the Most of Your Day
Attending a Monster Jam event is about more than just the main competition; it is a full day of entertainment. By arriving early for the Pit Party, securing your tickets from official sources, and bringing the right gear like ear protection, you can focus on the excitement of the show. These events offer a unique blend of athleticism and mechanical engineering that is sure to leave a lasting impression. For more tips on navigating live entertainment and family-friendly outings, explore our other guides on local events and venue safety.