Monster Time at Monster Jam

Last month, we surprised our four-and-a-half-year-old son that I was taking him to Monster Jam. For about 48 hours he told everyone about his surprise, even the front desk ladies at school. He was so excited he even woke us up on the day of the event, which was a Saturday, at 3 a.m. to ask, “is it time to go to Monster Jam?” To say he was pumped, was the understatement of the year.

Every two minutes on the drive to The Schott he would ask if we were there, where I would kindly inform him that “we are now XX episodes of Bluey away.” (Fun fact, our household tells time and distance in the estimated length of a Bluey episode, which is typically 5-6 minutes per episode. You get it!)

This was both of our first times attending Monster Jam. From the easy parking experience to hopping on to an OSU shuttle to the stadium, it was super kid friendly and easy to navigate as a solo parent. The most challenging part was trying to walk past every vendor and paid experience available.

Prior to leaving, my wife gave the executive order that I was approved to purchase a monster truck of some sort for him. As we waited in line to scope out the bounty, I succumbed to the urge of purchasing a light-up Grave Digger mug with a rainbow snow cone bursting through the top of it. Pro Tip: ask how much it is before handing your credit card. Those bad boys were $25 a pop. At least we now have a kick-ass plastic mug at home.

The most impressive part of the entire experience was how interactive it was. There were two emcees that would be in the stands or on the dirt course to talk between competitions. There were fun, entertaining videos on the jumbotron, along with the occasional audience participation activity.

After each round, you could scan a QR code on the screen to score the tricks. Even from the third level, we felt close and apart of the action down below.

I did learn a few lessons that I hope may help you if you're considering a Monster Jam experience in the future:

• As mentioned earlier, ask how much before buying anything, especially snow cone light-up mugs
• Bring a light layer to wear. The fans and extra ventilation for combating the exhaust does make it colder in the arena.
• Everyone needs hearing protection. I left with my ears pounding. As a retired punk rocker, nothing is as loud as eight monsters trucking out at the same time.
• Get ready for nonstop stories and recaps. It’s nearly a week after and I’m still hearing about it…and I freakin’ love it!

-Matt Lofy, The Dadass