Monster Jam 2023 returns to Pensacola Bay Center

This weekend, get ready to see some monster-sized action.

Monster Jam 2023 will be hosting its Arena Championship West competition − one of five in its Monster Jam Series − on Saturday and Sunday at the Pensacola Bay Center. Not only will drivers be competing for bragging rights, but the winner of the showdown will automatically qualify for the Monster Jam World Finals.

Of the eight competitors, Mark Hall and Kurt Kraehmer will be representing Hall Brothers Racing Team and the Ram Truck Brand.

“My dad was a motorcycle announcer,” Hall said. “So we grew up on the race track and that’s how we kind of caught the motorsport bug. I remember going to Indianapolis for the four wheel jamboree when I was 13, and I thought, ‘man, that is just the coolest thing ever.’”

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After spending more than 30 years competing in arenas behind the wheel of a monster truck, this is nothing new to Hall. But it will be his first visit to Pensacola.

“No, I’ve never been,” Hall said. “I’ve been to Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, but I’ve never been to Pensacola. I’m always looking forward to meeting new people and going to new places.”

There’s a lot you can expect at this year’s Monster Jam besides watching the trucks. Drivers will start their engines at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, but if you arrive at least one hour early, you’ll get a chance to experience everything up close and personal. Each Trackside event will feature the opening ceremony, driver interviews, and a chance to go behind the scenes with the pit crew.

“There’s nothing like your first monster truck event,” Hall said. “After doing this for 35 years, you think everybody has seen them. Even if motor sports aren’t your thing, monster trucks appeal to everybody. If you’ve never been before, you’re gonna leave the arena a monster jam fan.”

In addition to experiencing the fun by the track, pit parties will be held at 10:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Both pit parties will give monster truck fans a chance to get to know the drivers, crew, as well as take selfies and sign autographs. You can even see just how sturdy a 12,000-pound truck is built for competition. But you will have to have a pit party pass in order to gain access, and can be purchased with your ticket or after your initial purchase.

Tickets are still on sale at ticketmaster, and doors open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.monsterjam.com/en-US/events/pensacola-fl/may-13-2023-may-14-2023.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Monster Jam 2023 returns to Pensacola Bay Center