MONSTER JAM: It’s not just for boys!
MONSTER JAM has roared into Orange County and is ready to wow the crowds at Angel Stadium! I took my girls to watch MONSTER JAM and encourage you to consider this for your next family outing. Read on for more show details and upcoming dates!
This is a sponsored post. A SoCal Way of Life received tickets to MONSTER JAM in exchange for our review of the event. However, all opinions expressed here are honest and my own. This post also contains Amazon Affiliate links. A SoCal Way of Life will earn a commission from all qualifying purchases made through these links.
What is MONSTER JAM?
MONSTER JAM is a motorsports competition between 12,000 pound trucks. Fans will get to watch the competitors race until they make it through to finals, then perform in the freestyle competition. If you ask me, the freestyle competition is the best part! You will get to watch trucks perform donuts, stand on two wheels, perform back flips…you name it.
What happens at the Pit Party?
The MONSTER JAM Pit Party is a party that happens before the main event. You must purchase tickets (in addition to those for MONSTER JAM) to get into this event. However, if you are a big fan of MONSTER JAM or have a little one that would go crazy to see the trucks up close and meet the drivers…this is the event for you!
Meet drivers and see trucks up close
The lines to meet drivers moved relatively quick when we went. One line took maybe 5 minutes, and that was a long one. If you’ve been to Disneyland, this is no big deal ;D The drivers greet you, sign an autograph if you ask, and take a picture with you!
The drivers are easy to find because they are located under a tent right next to the truck they will be driving that night. Feel free to walk up to the trucks and take pictures with them!
Freestyle Motorcycle Show
There are also freestyle motorcycle events held at specific times during the pit party. Be sure to keep your ears open as the announcer will let everyone know when the next freestyle motorcycle show will take place. These guys do some crazy stunts high up in the air. It was one of my favorite parts of the Pit Party!
Grab some food!
If you get hungry, there are food trucks on site. There are also people walking around with concessions like hot chocolate, churros, and cold drinks.
Check out some fun extras
Be sure to check out the activities at the Pit Party once you are done checking out all of the trucks and meeting the drivers! You can buy tickets for your kids to race in a power wheels truck, take a ride on a Grave Digger truck, or even get a free temporary hair color makeover! Please be sure to check the MONSTER JAM website for more details about pricing for Pit Party activities.
Present your tickets at the Pit Party exit gates to enter the stadium. No need to go through the security gates again!
Will girls have a good time at MONSTER JAM too?
I think a picture is worth a thousand words, so let me start with this:
Seriously, why is this even a question?! As a person that was told that electric guitars, karate classes, and pick up trucks were for boys growing up…I LOVE MONSTER JAM! I was beyond thrilled when I saw that there are female drivers.
There are female drivers too!
First, it definitely helps that there was a female driver at this event. My girls were so excited to meet Becky McDonough during the MONSTER JAM Pit Party and cheer for her as she drove “El Toro Loco.” In fact, when asked by an announcer who they thought would win, the girls said, “El Toro Loco! Because she’s a girl and she’s gonna kick butt!”
Being our first time, we were shocked and worried when we saw her car flip over and pieces fly off during the race (the first truck to do so that night). Let me tell you though, this is the norm at MONSTER JAM, and we quickly learned the driver probably isn’t doing his or her job if pieces of the car body are not ripped off during events 😀
The girls were SO HAPPY when El Toro Loco won the Freestyle competition. So was I 😉 They were throwing out the El Toro Loco sign throughout the event as seen in the picture above 😉
There are fun truck themes
Second, my girls LOVED that the trucks each had a theme. There was a truck with a mohawk, a car that looked like a dog, a dragon, even a pirate car. I can tell you that THIS kid loved the themes 😉 My kids were talking the next morning about how they would design their trucks. I chimed in by saying that my truck would be Elvis theme with sideburns and all.
The event is high energy
Third, these shows are full of energy. My girls were cheering and hollering in delight throughout the entire show. I challenge anybody not to cheer when they see trucks do a full flip in the air or are so determined to win that they bump each other and land sideways! I love that you can just see the determination of the drivers as they plow through to win the race.
The drivers are charismatic
Fourth, these drivers have some serious charisma. These drivers clearly love what they do and take the competition very seriously. Avenger, the overall winner of the competition that night, was so fun and made the competition a true show.
The audience gets to help pick winners!
Fifth, the audience gets to vote for the winner! Using your phone, you head to the judgeszone website to give a score to each truck at the end of their performances throughout the event.
Talk about active participation! This definitely keeps the kids engaged (assuming that trucks flying in the air wouldn’t do that anyway 😉
If you’re thinking, “Boys would like this too!” Um, yeah. That’s my point. This is event is fun for everybody 😉
Tips for an enjoyable experience
These tips will help make your time at MONSTER JAM more enjoyable. The truth is, you’ll have fun no matter what. However, these tips will help you cater to your creature comforts 😉
1. Dress in layers and bring a blanket.
I can not stress this one enough! Angel Stadium is an outdoor arena. We brought some lighter jackets because the day didn’t start out too cold (around mid 60’s). Well, let me tell you, we felt like icicles by the time the event was over. Don’t skimp on a warm jacket, beanie, and blanket. You will thank me later 😉
This blanket looks like a great option (and can be used for many things)>>>
Since MONSTER JAM is held rain or shine, a water proof blanket is the way to go.
2. Bring headphones.
Do you really need to? Um…if you don’t want a headache later, you should consider it. Everyone talks about noise cancelling headphones (which are crazy pricey).
I purchased the following headphones on Amazon and they worked great for us. Also, we have been able to use these after MONSTER JAM to listen to music and for the computer. So, win win all around 😉 These headphones were comfortable to wear for several hours. I love the rose gold headphones and that they come with both a wireless and wire option. I bought the girls headphones with wires (aka- not wireless).
These all came in different colors and were available for one-day shipping with Amazon Prime. If you don’t have Amazon Prime, grab a free trial through my link here>>>Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
3. Arrive early for parking and to get through security.
Parking at the stadium is $25. There is a security check point before entering the Pit Party and or stadium, so be sure to allow plenty of time before the event.
4. Make sure you have everything before you enter.
Tickets only allow entry once. If you head to the Pit Party before the event, the Pit Party exit gates will lead straight into Angel Stadium.
5. Keep your tickets on you even after you enter.
Security will check throughout the night. Save yourself any hassle by having proof of your reserved seats.
6. Head to the bathroom before the event starts.
Like any other event, there will be big lines (for ladies at least) during intermission.
7. Be prepared to take pictures and get autographs at the Pit Party!
Pit Party requires tickets in addition to your regular tickets.
You will have the chance to meet drivers and see trucks up close and personal at the Pit Party! We loved this, but were completely unprepared to receive autographs 🙁 If you have a mega MONSTER JAM fan, this would be an awesome present! My girls were so excited to see the drivers they had just met tearing it up on the track after.
Show dates and details
Venue
Angel Stadium of Anaheim – 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Pit Party open from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Event ticket & Pit Pass required for entry. Drivers leave Pit Party at 5:00 PM)
Event Time – 6:30 PM
Featured Trucks/Drivers:
Grave Digger® driven by Morgan Kane; Son-uva Digger® driven by Ryan Anderson; Max-D™ driven by Neil Elliott;
El Toro Loco® driven by Kevin Crocker; Megalodon® driven by Cory Rummell; BroDozer™ driven by Team BroDozer; Monster Mutt® Dalmatian driven by Cynthia Gauthier; Bounty Hunter driven by Jimmy Creten; Scarlet Bandit driven by Dawn Creten; Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo; Kraken driven by Nick Pagliarulo; Wolf’s Head driven by Kristen Hope; Xtermigator driven by Buddy Tompkins **Truck line-up subject to change
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Pit Party open from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Event ticket & Pit Pass required for entry. Drivers leave Pit Party at 5:00 PM)
Event Time – 6:30 PM
Featured Trucks/Drivers:
Grave Digger® driven by Morgan Kane; Son-uva Digger® driven by Ryan Anderson; Max-D™ driven by Neil Elliott;
El Toro Loco® driven by Kevin Crocker; Megalodon® driven by Cory Rummell; BroDozer™ driven by Team BroDozer; Monster Mutt® Dalmatian driven by Cynthia Gauthier; Bounty Hunter driven by Jimmy Creten; Scarlet Bandit driven by Dawn Creten; Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo; Kraken driven by Nick Pagliarulo; Wolf’s Head driven by Kristen Hope; Xtermigator driven by Buddy Tompkins **Truck line-up subject to change
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Pit Party open from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Event ticket & Pit Pass required for entry. Drivers leave Pit Party at 5:00 PM)
Event Time – 6:30 PM
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Pit Party open from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Event ticket & Pit Pass required for entry. Drivers leave Pit Party at 1:00 PM) Event Time – 2:30 PM
Featured Trucks/Drivers: Grave Digger® driven by Charlie Pauken; Max-D™ driven by Tom Meents; El Toro Loco® driven by Scott Buetow; Whiplash™ driven by Brianna Mahon; Monster Energy driven by Coty Saucier; Bakugan Dragonoid driven by Camden Murphy; EarthShaker® driven by Steven Thompson; Bad Company driven by John Gordon; Obsessed driven by Eric Swanson; Saigon Shaker driven by Ryan Disharoon; Time Flys driven by Kelvin Ramer; Wild Flower driven by Rosalee Ramer **Truck line-up subject to change
Tickets
Ticket prices start at just $25!
Pit Passes available for $15 each; Pit Party Early Access Pass pricing starts at $35 each
Tickets will be available to purchase online at Ticketmaster.com
**Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.
Pit Party Details
Open from 2:30 PM–5:30 PM prior to each Saturday event; 11:30 AM–1:30 PM prior to
the Feb. 23rd Sunday event
Exclusive Pit Party Early Access Pass entrance at 1:30 PM (Saturday events only)
**Event ticket and Pit Passes are required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $15 each
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