If you’ve ever wondered what it could be like to watch a 12,000-pound truck launch itself into the air, you can find out this September. Monster Jam is heading over to Calgary’s GMC Stadium, with three shows planned across the weekend. The event will showcase some of Monster Jam’s biggest trucks as they race around the dirt track and pull off some seriously cool tricks.
Now let’s take a further look at what you can expect from this year’s Monster Jam.
Monster Jam is a live motorsports event where massive monster trucks compete in races and judged competitions. The trucks race head-to-head, launch off ramps, and attempt tricks to earn high scores from the judges.
The event began in 1992 and has since grown into a worldwide touring event, with shows held in dozens of countries and millions of fans attending each year.
What happens during a Monster Jam Show?
The show is broken down into several different competitions, so you’ll see more than one type of event throughout the night. Drivers will compete in head-to-head racing, where they try to beat another truck around the track.
They’ll also compete in the 2 Wheel Skills Challenge, where they’ll be judged on tricks that get at least two wheels off the ground. You might see drivers pulling wheelies or other stunts as they try to reach the highest score.
There’s also the Freestyle, where drivers have a set amount of time to perform jumps and other stunts across the track. This is where you’ll see the trucks get the most airtime.
How big are the Monster Jam trucks?
According to Monster Jam, the trucks weigh around 12,000 pounds and stand roughly 10.5 feet tall, with massive 66-inch tires. They’re specifically built to handle the jumps and crashes that are part of the competitions.
What trucks can I see when I’m there?
Eight trucks will compete in this year’s Calgary shows, although Monster Jam notes that the lineup is subject to change.
The current lineup includes:
- Grave Digger – driven by Matt Cody
- El Toro Loco – driven by MJ Solorio
- Sparkle Smash – driven by Chelsea VanCleave
- Bailey Circuit – driven by Brianna Mahon
- ThunderROARus – driven by Carson Williams
- Earth Shaker – driven by Alex Bardin
- Velociraptor – driven by Travis Hall
- The Amazing Spider-Man – driven by Tim Hall Jr.
How long does Monster Jam Last?
A typical Monster Jam show runs for about two hours, including a 15 to 20-minute halftime.
Can I participate or interact with the show?
You can actually have a say in some of the competition through the JudgesZone. During the judged events, fans can use their mobile devices to submit their own scores for the trucks, alongside the official judging.
And if you want to get up close and personal with the trucks, you’ll definitely want to check out the Pit Party. This separate add-on experience lets you walk around the trucks, meet the drivers and crew members, get autographs, take photos, and check out family-friendly activities.
Is Monster Jam suitable for all ages?
Yes, Monster Jam is designed for the whole family, and fans of all ages are welcome at the Calgary shows.
One thing to keep in mind is the noise. The trucks are extremely loud, so Monster Jam recommends that guests, especially young children, wear hearing protection during the show.
When is Monster Jam?
Monster Jam will take over GMC Stadium at Stampede Park from Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, with three shows happening throughout the weekend.
Doors will open one hour before each show, so you’ll have time to get settled before the trucks hit the track.
How much are tickets?
Tickets currently start at $37.50, and pricing may change based on availability. Everyone ages two and older needs a ticket, while children under two can attend without one.
If you want to make a day out of it, Pit Party passes are an additional $20 and are available before the Saturday and Sunday shows from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
There will also be a Post-Event Driver Meet and Greet for $50 if you want to stick around after the show. It starts approximately 15 minutes after the event ends and lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to meet the drivers, take photos and hear their thoughts on the competition. Your ticket will also include an official Monster Jam souvenir. You’ll need to purchase the meet-and-greet tickets separately, and you must also have a ticket to the Monster Jam show happening that same day.
When: Friday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: Friday: 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Pit Party: 12:30, Monster Jam at 3 p.m.
Where: GMC Stadium – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $37.50 per person; children under 2: Free, Pit Party Tickets: $20 per person, Meet-and-greet: $50 per person
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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