Guest Blog: Monster Jam!! by Sweetie

So thanks to my wife’s awesome blog we got to try a fun family activity we hadn’t done before.   We went to a Monster Truck event, and not just any event, the top dog of monster truck events... Monster JAM!  At the last minute we got 4 rather than 2 tickets.  After a bit of drama with who got to use the tickets, me, Sport, Scout, and Curly headed off to the Energy Solutions arena.

After stopping off real quick at my work to get the fourth set of ear protectors.. yes, I have noise earmuffs at my desk (let’s just say the guys behind my cube like to talk).  So I was driving into downtown and about 30 seconds before we got to the parking lot, I realized I had two small boys and one small girl on a 4-plus hour adventure and no one to go into the restroom with Scout. Maybe she  wouldn’t have to go. Just then a small voice begged, "Daddy, I need..."

We picked up our tickets at will call.  I headed for the stairs.. and as I handed the tickets to the usher he said the sweetest words I heard all night.  "You're on the suite level. That’s two flights up...A suite? Really? Suites have their own bathrooms.  Problem solved!  Ironically, the suite used for the bloggers normally belongs to my employer.  Didn’t think I would ever see the inside of that one or any suite for that matter.   

After settling in we got to watch some awesome street trucks race around before the main event. Then there was a very cool opening where police officers, firefighters, EMTs, service men and women were all recognized. Then it was time for the trucks. The kids were fascinated for the first 20 minutes, then Scout started exploring the suite. 

Curly started to doze off and the grin on Sports face was replaced with a seriously concerned look. Intermission and some amazing motorcycle tricks had Sport back into it and Scout even stopped getting yet another ice water and started watching again. Curly peacefully slept.

Overall the freestyle was their favorite. That’s probably why it was last. As we were leaving I asked each of the kids what they liked and didn’t like, so straight from the most honest critics, here you go.

Pros:   Trucks were cool.  Drivers were nice and gave away their trophies.  The motorcycles were cool and some of the jumps were amazing. The cutest truck was the Dalmatian and it has a girl driver! The steam from the bull's nose is cool. 

Cons:  Too slow. Only squished cars. Tricks weren't as cool on the website. The don’t  throw free stuff into the suites. Didn’t understand the rules (that is what had been stressing Sport.. he didn’t understand the rules and he didn’t like being confused). Batman, and Superman trucks weren't there.

 

So overall as a parent my thoughts.

1.  I was impressed by the detail to fan and driver safety.  There are numerous officials with  emergency controls (shut off and brakes I believe). If a driver is getting into a dangerous situation, they shut down the truck. 

2.  Small arena monster trucks is a bit lame compared to the highlights of the outdoor stadiums.

3.  If you're taking small children, invest, buy, borrow earmuff-style sound protection.  We had a way easier time than the parents trying to keep disposable ear plugs in their small children's ears.

And last but not least.   Don’t take the kids to a monster truck show  if you hate hearing things like "Best night ever!" "We've got to do this again!" "Can we go the Vegas and watch the Nationals?"  Oh, and for what I thought was my best idea of the evening (packing the Hot wheels Monster Jam trucks for them to play with), I’m sure they will play with them tomorrow, but tonight they would rather watch the real thing!

My wife sent me a text saying take lots of pictures...I only ended up with 307...digital photography is so cool for those of us who remember paying for and developing film...

Thanks for the amazing show!

** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **