Photos courtesy of L. Clark
Monster Jam 2015 Review
DC Thrifty Mom
Guest Thrifty Correspondent:
Lamont Clark
Event: Monster Jam 2015 at the Verizon Center
Date: Saturday, January 24th, 2015 – attended 2:00 PM Show
Arrival/Parking: While the easiest way to get to the Verizon Center is via Metro (Gallery/Place Chinatown on the Red, Yellow, or Green Lines), we decided to drive down and see if we could find on-street parking. On-street parking is always a roll of the dice, so just know that there is parking at the Verizon and right next door at Gallery Place Shops. There are other lots close by. Parking can range anywhere from $7 – $20 depending on where you park. We were lucky and found a parking spot only one block away.
Venue: We arrived a half hour before the show and watched Mini-Moto as well as Quad Wars practice rounds. If you decide to watch pre-races know two things 1) the smell of gas is very strong and 2) this a VERY LOUD event. Earplugs or Headsets are a must! Once the actual show starts the Monster Trucks competed in Wheelie, Obstacle Course, Doughnut and Freestyle competitions. Between competitions are Quad War races and extreme pogo stick demonstrations.
Best for What Ages: There were literally people of all ages in the arena. We sat next to someone who had an infant at the show. Of course they had the infants ears covered with the headset. We had an 8 and a 3 year old, and they both enjoyed it.
Food: Being that this is a sports arena, expect the food prices to be higher than normal. You’ll find the normal fare such as pretzels, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pizza and french fries. There are also things like sandwiches, sausages, donuts, and a few other things. But because of the location, there are a ton of restaurants surrounding the arena. You can find fast food to sit down restaurants with various price points.
Don’t miss:
1) There is merchandise to be purchased such as t-shirts, hot wheel cars, hats, flying discs, and a “yearbook” of Monster Jam.
2) After the show is over, if you feel like waiting, the drivers come out and sign autographs.
3) You can take a green screen picture with your choice of about 5 images for the type of truck you would like to appear in.
4) Although completely random, one lucky child won a Hot Wheels set and the Gravedigger driver promised to give away one of the plaques he won.
I wish I’d known: For the Saturday and Sunday early shows they have what is called a “Pit Party”. They take place from 11 am – 12:30pm on each day. For just $10 (in addition to your ticket for the early show), you can get an up close look at the Monster Trucks as well as meet the drivers.
Kids’ response: The two boys (8 and 3) loved the show. The 8 year old was excited the whole time, and the three year old seemed more enthralled with the actions. Both children were eager to purchase a hot wheel replica of their favorite truck.
Insider Tip: Earplugs or headsets (earmuffs) are a must! Ear plugs will cost about $2 and earmuffs are $25. Do NOT buy earplugs from the scalpers outside, they are overpriced. Decide beforehand what you want to do about food, inside the venue food is convenient but expensive while outside the arena there are more choices and better value. Consider how much time you have for the event (whether you will arrive early for Pit Party or pre-show stuff, and/or if you will stay later to get autographs and pictures).
~Guest DC Thrifty Mom Correspondent, Lamont Clark – author of the new children’s book “Jay and the Genie” available on Amazon. All thoughts, opinions, and comments are his own.
Upcoming Monster Jam performances:
Verizon Center in Washington DC - Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 PM
Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD - February 27-March 1, 2015
Show Times:
Friday, February 27 at 7:30PM
Saturday, February 28 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM
Sunday, March 1 at 2:00PM
Tickets are available at the box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.
Monster Jam® is the world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks including Grave Digger®, Maximum Destruction®, Monster Mutt®, El Toro Loco®, Captain’s Curse® and Blue Thunder®.
Connect with Monster Jam®:
Web | Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Foursquare | Instagram | RSS Feed
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Thank you, Lamont, for volunteering to be a Guest Thrifty Correspondent for Monster Jam. If you are attending an event and are interested in volunteering to share a review as a Guest Thrifty Correspondent, email me at Events@DCThriftyMom.com
Disclosure: DC Thrifty Mom is 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. On behalf of DC Thrifty Mom, guest Thrifty Correspondent Lamont received a family 4-pack to this show. Even though these benefits were received, ALL thoughts and opinions are his own. No other compensation was provided. There is an affiliate link in this blog post. Thank you for supporting DC Thrifty Mom!