Jammin with the Monster Trucks

Despite the oldest boy suffering some sort of ailment, we headed out to BC Place Stadium for our first ever experience with Monster Trucks.  We have seen the TV ads for years and finally could not restrain our curiosity and scored some tickets to check it out.  Against all gender identification, I think the girls enjoyed the show more than the boys.  Tara was pretty stoked.

I suppose I should have read up on what a Monster Truck Jam was before the show.  I admit to having no clue that there was an actual competition.  I knew there was favourite cars and drivers, but did not realize there was winners and losers.  Needless to say I was quite mystified by the set up at the beginning of show.  I guess I am not the brightest when it comes to figuring out truck rules. However, the kids seemed happy just watching all the action.

Well, except for Adam.  His sensory issues …..he doesn’t do well with crowds and noise, even at age 10…. did not fair well.  Even with earplugs the time trials in the first half almost did Adam in.    We went for a walk around the concourse to give him a break and granted he did do better with the noise during the second half…which was also more fun to watch.

The intermission had people with their RC trucks take over the course and Tara loved all the diggers cleaning up and getting the giant amount of dirt ready.  We we were also fascinated by the bike riders prepping their own jump set up.  All very busy.

The second half is when things get really fun.  The motorbike team were doing INSANE jumps and on quads too.   Amazing to see that in real life.  Then the Monster Trucks were back, in what is some sort of free for all where each truck has to hit or jump on as many features on the course as possible in a set time.  This is when you get crazy air and trucks bouncing all over the place and sometimes not making it back on all four tires.  Just as loud but way more fun to watch.  Adam had managed to adjust by this time and thankfully could handle it.

We slipped out just near the end to avoid the crowds.

Monster Trucks seem to truly be for very little kids and older men.    Tara loved all the cheering and yelling.  I loved the demolition derby the best.   From our high up seats, it was like a course of  Hot wheels all smashing into each other.     I don’t know how anyone can tell who is winning or losing.    If you don’t mind the noise and come armed with appropriate ear protection for your little one’s, it is a family friendly event for those who love trucks.  They do sell ear protection, which did work great but are $20.  We had earplugs, which I thought worked fine for the rest of us.