Our Monster Jam Tampa Experience
Have you ever attended a Monster Jam event? Honestly, whenever I would see commercials, I saw trucks crashing into each other. That would make me a little bit nervous. However, when we actually attended the event, it was the opposite of what I saw and very interactive.
This past Saturday was my 2nd time attending a Monster Jam with my family, and although we thought we knew what to expect – it was refreshing that they changed it up a bit.
What is the Monster Jam?
Monster Jam is the most action-packed live event on four wheels where world-class drivers compete in front of capacity crowds around the globe.
Monster Jam features high octane spontaneous entertainment and intense competition, featuring the most recognizable trucks in the world.
Our Experience
This past Saturday, the event was held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. It’s where a lot of the major events are including, Disney on Ice, the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games, major concert events and so much more.
The last Monster Truck Jam we attended was held outside at the Raymond James Stadium. I was interested to see how they would turn an arena into a Monster Jam Truck Show.
Before the show, they have a pit party. It’s a fun opportunity for us to meet the Monster Truck Drivers, take pictures with the trucks, play games and win prizes. A great way to get up close and personal with others who enjoy this event as much as you do.
Photos by Dave DeAngelis, Jason Twite, Brett Moist and Eric Stern
After the pit party ends, you make your way to your seats to get ready for the show to start.
Honestly, the set up for this event was a tad smaller this time around because of the size of the arena floor. The trucks had less space to do bigger tricks.
Monster Truck Jam Tampa
The show was broken down into 5 segments which included an intermission:
Racing (Timed) – An obstacle course competition where the fastest to complete the course is the winner. It showcases the driver’s ability and the truck’s agility.
Two-Wheel Skills Challenge – Monster Jam drivers will have multiple opportunities to perform the best stunt, bringing at least two wheels into the air. This is a judged competition.
Donuts – Trucks perform in designated flat areas with the objective to rotate the truck as many times and as quickly as possible. This is a judged competition
Head to Head– Competitors report to a starting line. On a green signal, the trucks head along a prescribed course to a finish line with first to legally complete the course advancing in the competition. Winners will advance until two trucks remain with the finals determining the racing champion. Racing may be preceded by qualifying to establish brackets.
Freestyle – Competitors perform tricks and stunts throughout the floor area in a designated time. This is a judged competition.
My children loved the contest & competition because they were able to vote on the performance of each Monster Jam Truck Driver. The crowd picks the winners which make us more engaged and excited during the show.
Every time a driver completed a skill, we’d vote on www.JudgeZone.com and add a score between 1-10. Within seconds, we’d see the final score on the big screen.
There would be individual contest winners, but one overall winner of the show. This time it was Tony Ochs, driver of Black Ops. It was special because this was his first overall win ever. I think he actually shed a tear during his acceptance speech.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iy-PnH2xyoY%3Fenablejsapi%3D1%26list%3DPLaSx_lF7AsqzJHI3PNeG-gv2ZAUUXKdCM%26autoplay%3D0%26cc_load_policy%3D0%26cc_lang_pref%3D%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26loop%3D0%26modestbranding%3D0%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26playsinline%3D0%26autohide%3D2%26theme%3Ddark%26color%3Dred%26controls%3D1%26
What’s One Thing I Noticed?
Monster Trucks aren’t just men. There were two women drivers and they held their own. Myranda Cozad drove the Scooby-Doo truck and the other woman, Kayla Blood, drove the El Toro Loco truck. I was happy to see the women taking charge and going just as hard as the men. That was important for my daughter to see.
What makes a truck a Monster Truck?
Each Monster Jam truck is approximately 10.5 feet tall, 12.5 feet wide, 17 feet long and weighs 12,000 pounds. A Monster Jam engine will generate 1,500 horsepower, thanks to a blower that forces air and fuel into the engine. It is powered by methanol fuel, consumed at the rates of three gallons a minute from a specially constructed safety cell.
The truck bodies are custom-built and constructed of fiberglass. Each truck is transported in specially prepared trailers, which can include spare parts and as many as two trucks.
What to Expect, Tips and More
Noise. It’s so loud! Get ready for very loud engines and screaming fans. Buy or bring earplugs, especially for the kids.
Get the Pit Party Passes. This adds an extra layer of fun to your Monster Jam experience. It’s a pre-party to the ultimate truck show. Your kids will love it.
Bring Your Phone. Since you’re the judges in the contest, you will need your phone (or tablet) to vote for your favorite Monster Truck Driver.
Wear Clothes that can get dirty. The pit party is on dirt. They even have a dirt pit the kids play in. SMH!! Depending on your seats, you can/will get dirt on you. You can still dress cute, but be prepared to get a little dirty.
Have fun. Just enjoy the show. I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised how into these trucks I was. I wanted to see more and more tricks!
Check out MonsterJam.com for shows in your city. I’d love to hear about your experience. Also, check out the hashtag #MonsterJam to see how other families enjoyed their experience.
