The Times Union Center situated in Albany, New York is becoming host to this year’s Monster Jam event. The motorsport event is known to present some of the finest machines and drivers who engage in races and stunt driving. The Monster Jam showcase in 2013 presented shows in North Charleston, Wichita, Greensboro, Hidalgo, Sacramento, Tampa, Toronto, Orlando, Anaheim, Indianapolis, Houston, Denver, Columbia, Cleveland and Providence, amongst countless other cities. Expected to tour throughout America and Canada, this year’s Monster Jam series will bring in a storm of car fanatics. Demand for is expected to be high, as always.
The Times Union Center
The forthcoming 2014 Monster Jam event is expected to take place at the Times Union Center. Inaugurated in 1990 the construction of the grand facility took three years to complete. Owned by the Albany County, the indoor arena is known for hosting popular basketball games, hockey tournaments, indoor football and musical showcases. Catering to as much as seventeen thousand audiences, the Times Union Center boasts of holding twenty five luxury suites that have been built on the top of the inner bowl. It currently provides its ground to teams namely Siena Saints and the Albany Devils. Popular events that have entertained the masses include performances by Frank Sinatra, Bill Joel, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Aerosmith, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, to name a few. This time the multi-purpose center is announcing to present one of motorsport’s most awaited events, the Monster Jam.
About Monster Jam
Monster Jam is the name given to the live motorsport touring event that is currently brought forth by the Feld Entertainment. Sanctioned with the United States Hot Rod Association, the annual presentation is known to hold shows throughout America. Even though several new formats are introduced on an annual basis the live show is known for its freestyle and racing competitions. Over the years the touring monster truck show has expanded to Canada and Europe and it is expected to make its way to Asia soon. Not only do the audiences and fans witness live contests, they are also provided with the opportunity of meeting with the drivers and viewing their machines. These sessions are known as “Pit Party” and also allow spectators to get autographs from their favorite drivers. With World Finals that are held in Las Vegas after all the races have come to an end, the Monster Jam shows are also aired on CBS Sports Spectacular. Previously the finals were aired on SPEED and TNN.
Show Format
The format of the Monster Jam shows presents two types of competitions, mainly freestyle and racing. In some shows smaller competitions are also held such as a donut contest or a wheelie competition, or even both. The wheelie competition presents a ramp on which the vehicle has to land. The aim is to stay perpendicular to the land while getting the highest air jump. In the donut contest, a driver spins their monster trucks until the truck stops or until he or she starts feeling nauseous. As far as the racing goes, the show follows a traditional format in which races are held and the winner moves on in the races. In each race, the racer to cross the line at the very end is eliminated. At the end of these races, the winner is awarded the Championship trophy.
Lastly in the freestyle competition, each driver is given a total time of ninety seconds apart from thirty seconds of bonus time during which the contestant has to impress a panel of three judges who are supposed to rate the performance out of 10. The contestant with the greatest number of points is awarded the freestyle trophy. If the same driver wins the racing competition and the freestyle contest, he or she is awarded the “Double down Trophy”, the biggest honor in Monster Jam. Witness some of the most talented monster truck drivers as they gear up for 2014 Monster Jam.