The Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam opened tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Complex in downtown Birmingham. For two hours, monster trucks jumped over or crushed old cars and tested each other about the distance of those jumps (Gunslinger won the contest tonight besting a crowd favorite, Maximum Destruction).
A surprise and highlight of the evening included the motorcross segment. It was short but included several “awesome” (one child’s description) daredevil stunts.
The fun of the Monster Jam event, however, seemed to have little to do with car crushing and jumping but everything to do with magnitude. First, it was the volume of the event that made us smile (laugh, actually) and immediately purchase ear plugs. The noise drew our children into their seats mesmerized. And, then it was the sheer size of the trucks and their ‘personalities’. With names like El Toro Loco, Bad News Travels Fast, and Grave Digger and their accompanying designs, the trucks take on a larger than life element. Despite several breaks for the removal of damaged trucks or the shameless plugs for merchandise , children all over the arena were in awe. Meanwhile parents throughout smiled and took pictures of their awe-struck children as they cheered for new favorites like the Instigator and the Ninja Turtle.
A note to Birmingham Moms: Monster Jam may very well be the loudest sound young children have heard and, honestly, it is the first time I can remember needing earplugs to be comfortable. The noise and music create a sense of excitement similar to that of a football stadium but you definitely need earplugs. You can purchase earplugs for $1 per pack at the event but if you own or have access to protective headsets, consider bringing those.
Monster Jam continues on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets available at the BJCC Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.
This story was submitted by Brooke Battle. Brooke adds the following note: My youngest daughter used the word awesome to describe the evening and then asked if her Dad could get a Monster Truck to drive her to school. In her words, ”that would be really cool.”