Our family just returned from an action-packed experience at the Colonial Life Arena. Monster Jam has returned for another year of high-flying action and four-wheel excitement. The Colonial Life Arena continues to have many measures in place to ensure families can enjoy the fun as safely as possible.
The Main Show: Tips & What to Expect
There’s something for everyone
Our family has two boys, a twelve-year-old and a nine-year-old, with one ten-year-old girl sandwiched between them. I wasn’t sure she would love the event, but all the action was just as exciting for her as it was for the boys. We loved watching all the jumps, spins, tricks, and spills. The Gravedigger is a family and a fan favorite, though there are a couple of others, like the Zombie and Monster Mutt that come in a close second.
You get to score each truck’s performance and determine the winner live
One of the things that really made the show engaging, for both the audience and our family, was the voting. There were different competitions, and each vehicle would give its best. Log in www.judgeszone.com with the code given during the event and rank each performance. The live announcer tells the audience what each truck scored and the ranking after each performance. Depending on who has a phone in your family, you can vote as a family or individually. We loved cheering when our favorites would move up the scoreboard and had to accept when other trucks performed better, and therefore moved up the scoreboard.
There’s an intermission and plenty of breaks
Nothing is worse than having to get up in the middle of a show to take your little one to the restroom or buy that drink they’ve been wanting for the last 30 minutes. And, you know how kids are – their attention spans are only so long. The first intermission was after about 40 minutes, and thereafter, there were several small breaks while the show staff broke down the equipment and set up for the next performance. It was the perfect chance to duck out without missing a beat.
You’ll be entertained the entire time
Full disclosure … my kids can be really picky about entertainment. I’ll think they are going to love something, only to get through about 15 minutes before one of them exclaims “I’m bored.” Not with Monster Jam! The show clocks in at right around two hours, but it didn’t feel that long at all because we were so entertained! None of us could believe how quickly time passed.
Pro tip – don’t forget earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
It’s LOUD in there. Like giant monster truck engine loud. Not only do your kids need something for their ears, but you do too. I was able to pick up earplugs from Target a few hours before the show and they worked like a charm! And at only $3.99 for a box of 12 pairs, you can’t beat the price. For smaller kids, noise-canceling headphones are the best bet. These can be purchased at Academy Sports or the souvenir stand at the event. (The ones sold at the event are SUPER cute! The part that goes over the ear looks like a monster truck wheel and lights up!)
Ticket Information: It’s Not Too Late to Grab Yours!
Monster Jam is the ultimate family outing, especially with the new fan wellness enhancements! The next show is Sunday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m
Where
Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201
Tickets:
Ticketmaster and the Prisma Health Box Office inside Colonial Life Arena – seating is limited, so don’t miss out!
