Monster Jam rolls into Wells Fargo Arena

Some might say that the size of a car is a reflection of a man’s…confidence. The flashier the ride, the sloppier the control. Sure, there might be a few folks who talk about that, but maybe that just means Monster Jam has a little silencing to do.

Grave Digger will be one of the monster trucks at Wells Fargo Arena on Jan. 1 and 2.

Kick off the New Year with a monster party at Monster Jam. If you haven’t experienced the heart-pounding intensity of monster truck racing, 2016 is the year to do so.

“Nowhere else in the world can you see 10,000-pound machines flying through the air, crushing cars, performing stunts and wowing fans of all ages,” said Katie Rielly, marketing coordinator at Iowa Events Center.

Monster Jam is an action-packed live event on four wheels in which world-class drivers compete in front of capacity crowds in both monster truck racing and freestyle competitions. Combining high-octane, spontaneous entertainment and the ultimate in off-road motorsport competition, Monster Jam has added 10 brand new Monster Jam trucks to the touring fleet set to tear up stadiums and arenas around the world.

The first monster trucks emerged as sideshow attractions at tractor pulling events in the United States decades ago. While these old rides weren’t much to look at, seeing a car drive over another is a site to be seen in any era.

These days, the action is a little different. Depending on the stadium or arena, each Monster Jam truck will get 60 to 90 seconds to freestyle and bring the fans to their feet in a mechanical ballet of spectacular high jumps and frenzied maneuvering.

“Fans expect that ‘wow’ factor and are never disappointed,” Rielly said. “Monster Jam drivers live and breathe the sport and dedicate themselves to perfecting their craft. Fans want to see a high-intensity, skillful performance, and that is exactly what they leave with.”

One of the best ways to get close to the stars of the show — the trucks — is at the pre-show Party in the Pits. Event goers get unparalleled access to the racetrack where they can meet the drivers, collect their autographs, get up close to the monster trucks, take photos and explore the obstacles these monsters will jump over and eventually destroy.

“Monster Jam events leave fans on the edge of their seats, as these trucks thrill fans with jaw-dropping displays of gravity-defying feats,” said Rielly. “It provides the most unforgettable experience for the entire family. Everyone remembers the first time they saw a Monster Jam truck soar.” CV

Trucks & drivers

Grave Digger® driven by Randy Brown
Scooby-Doo driven by TBA
Incinerator driven by Ryan Rice
Thunder 4×4 driven by Jim Bendzick
Barbarian driven by Devin Jones
Wild Thang driven by Doug Charles
Big Kahuna driven by Shane England
Midnight Rider driven by Tom Herzog

Monster Jam

Wells Fargo Arena
Friday, Jan. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 2 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $22, $28, $47. Kids tickets are $12
Ticket prices increase $3 on the day of the show.