In any form of sports, the comparison between watching on television and being there in person is talked about. Sure while watching at home you have a comfortable sofa or chair, the luxury of not having to share a bathroom, or pay too much for snacks.
But then again, when you're there in person, it's an event in itself. Fans tailgating for hours, getting in the spirit of their favorite teams or drivers. You hear the rumble inside the stadium, feel the power of a flyover, and become part of a unique, and large, family.
When it comes to motorsports, NASCAR is king in this aspect. But let's face it, costs of going to a race are up from years ago. Hotels, gas, food, and sometimes flights are more than most families can afford.
But, if you're someone like me, there is an alternative. The name...MONSTER JAM.
Family entertainment consisting of 1500-horsepower machines, each weighing in at 10,000 pounds. Kids and adults alike are in awe of the trucks in front of them, but every fan no matter what their age is on their feet, cheering in unison.
However, there's more to Monster Jam than just theactual show. There's also an event prior. It's called the "Party In The Pits."
When fans get their garage pass, whether it's hot or cold, there's a major expense in getting one. Media members have it easy as their pass is normally covered, or they are issued a "hard card" at the beginning of the year.
Don't worry about that kind of expense when it comes to Monster Jam, because the Party in the Pits is often either free with the paid ticket, or is an inexpensive purchase.
The fans gain access to not only the trucks, but also the drivers. Seriously, how hard is it to get a NASCAR driver to give an autograph? With so many appearances, meetings, requirements, and plus having to prepare for practices, qualifying and races, there's just not a lot of time to grab a Sharpie and put a signature on a hat or die-cast.
That is far from the case in the Pit Party. Drivers are not only very accessible to the fans, they are accessible for hours at a time. It's not uncommon for some drivers to sit in a chair signing t-shirts, hats, or any memorabilia for two or three hours.
Each one pauses to take photos with fans, and even will have a conversation if time permits. The drivers are there for the fans, and each one acknowledges that's what it's about.
With most tickets cheaper than a majority of motorsport events in the country, Monster Jam has grown in mass in the last decade. It's become a ritual for many fans to keep returning, as they perform in sold-out arenas or major stadiums in America.
The Georgia Dome, which hosts the Atlanta Falcons, has sold out the 65,000-seat facility for Monster Jam every year since 2001. Other places in Indiana, California, Texas, Florida, and Las Vegas have similar statistics.
Monster Jam is so popular, now they are a global phenomenan. During the summer, drivers travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, and even go all the way to Europe to perform.
With an average of eight events any given weekend from January through March, every part of the country can enjoy a family show that won't cost much money.
The ultimate experience for Monster Jam fans is the World Finals in Las Vegas every March. The day of the event has a huge pit party, often lasting seven hours, and over 70 trucks. But, for about 7,000 of those fans...it's the second time they see those trucks.
It's called the "Double-Down Package" and it includes access to one of the most unique motorsports experiences for anyone. These fans pay for the chance to see the trucks like many never do. The bodies are removed, showing the inner workings of each machine, there's exclusive merchandise, a walk across the track, and a barbeque that any NFL fan would be jealous of.
No matter where Monster Jam comes to, it's all about giving family fun at a low price, and rewarding everyone with a show they can remember for years to come.
For anyone interested in where and when the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam tour will be coming for the rest of 2011, visit MonsterJam.com.
You never know, it could be a night where you get to answer the famous question by announcer Scott Douglass.
"Who's ready for Monster Jam?!"
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