Showing posts with label Allstate Arena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allstate Arena. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

ALL-NEW DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S DANCE! January 23 – February 9, 2025

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

JOIN AN EPIC PARTY WITH PLENTY OF MUSIC, ENERGY & AUDIENCE INTERACTION AT THE ALL-NEW 

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S DANCE!

The all-star cast includes fan-favorite stories from Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Moana

**Brand-New Production Skating Into Chicagoland from January 23 – February 9, 2025**

Disney On Ice is bringing the party to hometowns across the country, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show. Get ready to turn up the fun when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! visits Allstate Arena in Rosemont from January 23-26 and February 6-9 plus the United Center in Chicago from January 30–February 2, 2025!

This production invites guests to belt out Disney’s chart-topping tunes, as their favorite stories are brought to life on and above the ice. Fans are sure to be wowed by the cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. 

Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance, and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure! This all-new and thrilling Disney On Ice production features fan-favorite stories including:

WISH

Last year, Disney On Ice became the first live entertainment show to debut Asha before the animated film’s release. Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas will magically come to life, featuring even more characters from Wish. Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together to bring to life “This Wish,” “I’m a Star,” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!”

FROZEN 2

Journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.” Visit the river full of memory, Ahtohallan, as Elsa asks memories of the past to “Show Yourself,” and Olaf thinks this will all make sense “When I’m Older.”

MOANA

The audience will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana shows them “How Far I’ll Go,” as she journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Kā. Along the way she meets Maui who reminds everyone “You’re Welcome.” The duo comes face to face with Tamatoa who hasn’t always been this “Shiny.”

THE LION KING

Escaping to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala from The Lion King, audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life.”

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Skilled maestro, Sebastian, strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters, and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures from The Little Mermaid. Guests will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric with a wish to become “Part of Your World,” and a symphony of lagoon insects perform “Kiss the Girl.”


R O S E M O N T 

WHEN:       

Thursday, January 23 7:00 PM                     

Friday, January 24 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                     

Saturday, January 25 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 26 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:      Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of family-friendly ticket pricing options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

C H I C A G O

WHEN:       

Thursday, January 30 7:00 PM                     

Friday, January 31 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                     

Saturday, February 1 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 2 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:      United Center – 1901 West Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of family-friendly ticket pricing options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.


R O S E M O N T 

WHEN:       

Thursday, February 6 7:00 PM                     

Friday, February 7 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                     

Saturday, February 8 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 9 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM


WHERE:      Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.


“Frozen Fun” Character Experience

Guests can enhance their Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, crafting, a sing-along and interactive photo opportunities with Anna and Elsa. 

NOTE: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok.  

Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

About Feld Entertainment®

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the Super Motocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 80 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information


Monday, January 22, 2024

Chicago Loves ChiILin' at Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars Through February 4, 2024

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars

features the most Disney characters in one show!

All Production photos courtesy of Disney on Ice

Highlighted by the on-ice debuts of Raya from Raya and 

the Last Dragon and Frozen 2 with Elsa & Anna

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker 


Guest Review

by Kimberly Robb Baker

There's no better place to ChiIL than Disney on Ice! Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, get ready to make a wish and watch imagination come to life at the brand new show, Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars, happening now through February 4 at the United Center and Allstate Arena.

While we've rarely missed a chance to see our favorite characters skating their hearts out, my crew was especially enchanted with this show. To start with, you'll want to arrive early to explore swag, branded treats (we loved the snow cones in our choice of Disney cups), photo ops, and character experiences with Elsa and Mirabel.


Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker


With Mickey and friends MC-ing and setting the stage for lots of wishing on stars, the performance was engaging from the first second. And, let me say, it is super fun to see everyone's favorite mouse in some sparkly jeans! What follows are heartfelt performances by talented skaters, pulling the audience in to see everyone from Tiana to Lightning McQueen following their dreams. 



My 9-, 13-, and 14-year-old were each entranced throughout the show, which had all of the production value you've come to expect from Disney on Ice, and an inspiring theme that wishes really do come true.



A fresh remix of Snow White's wishing well song was one of the first stops on the journey, and it was fun for my kids to enjoy a modern take on this classic. We all enjoyed the beautiful high romance of couples skating, with Aladdin and Jasmine's number giving athleticism, synchrony, and incredible lifts that were especially noteworthy. Oh, and Magic Carpet on skates was absolutely whimsical. 



My favorite appearance was Raya from The Last Dragon. While several of the skaters seem to have learned some aerials for their parts, it's clear that Raya's skills above the ice are just as strong as her skating, and it makes for a powerful and exciting performance. 



She's far from the only strong feminine figure, though. From From visiting Tiana's restaurant to Asha, from the recent film Wish, making her Disney on Ice debut, there are plenty of sheros to enjoy.



This show also offered a richness of ensemble numbers, including Genie (and his many copies--suuuuper fun!), all the princesses, and--the hands-down big-kid fave, Encanto, in which they absolutely DO talk about Bruno!



My youngest loved seeing his favorite Frozen characters, especially Olaf and Elsa! He also loves the tradition of everyone in the audience bringing fun light-up Disney gear to wave at special moments. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I will say that this comes quite in handy for helping Buzz Lightyear out of a fix, and there are opportunities throughout for audience participation.


Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker



If your wish is to shake off those winter blues, Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars! is just the thing!



Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker


 Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.



**All-New Show Debuting in Chicagoland 

January 18-February 4, 2024**



Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! Witness the captivating on-ice debut of Asha from the epic Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated musical adventure Wish, releasing in theaters on November 22. Asha and her friend Star will dazzle audiences as they skate to “This Wish,” written by Julia Michaels and Ben Rice and performed by Academy Award®- winning actress Ariana DeBose. 

This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Allstate Arena, January 18-21, 2024, and February 1-4, 2024, and the United Center, January 25-28, 2024.

Join Disney On Ice for a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy through timeless tales and today’s favorites. The adventure begins when the North Star shines brightly and descends upon Jiminy Cricket as he welcomes and reminds the audience that the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish.

Journey to Rosas, the kingdom of wishes, to meet optimistic and sharp-witted Asha, from Disney’s newest animated musical feature Wish. She makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy named Star. Together they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Watch as Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon debuts live on ice and ascends into the air, lifting the show to higher heights as the strong warrior performs an aerial acro-pole routine. And for the first time on ice, escape “Into the Unknown” with Elsa and Anna from Frozen 2. 

Travel to the mountains of Colombia where the Madrigal family lives, unlock the magic in the family’s casita, and discover why “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

Set sail with Moana on her canoe into the open ocean, to witness her encourage Te Kā to “Know Who You Are” and transform into Te Fiti. 

Prepare to hit the road with Disney and Pixar’s Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater as they cruise on the ice to “Life Is A Highway,” 


and reconnect with Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Rex, and Hamm.


Pursue your dreams with Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, as she strives to make her wish of opening a restaurant come true. Discover the power of three wishes with Aladdin when he finds a magic lamp in the Cave of Wonders. 

Reminisce with Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Rapunzel as they remind us to never stop wishing and dreaming.


In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has dreams they want to come true, but the brightest light shines inside of YOU! Every one of you is a STAR! So, shine bright and let your stories light up the night sky!

R O S E M O N T

Thursday, January 18 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 20 – 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 21 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

Thursday, February 1 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, February 2 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, February 3 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 4 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

WHERE:           

Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018


C H I C A G O

Thursday, January 25 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 26 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:           

United Center – 1901 West Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612 


TICKETS:          

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office. It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

“Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” Character Experience

Enhance your Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars show ticket with a preshow Character Experience. “Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” includes crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and great photo opportunities.

Please note: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce.

About Feld Entertainment®

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.


Monday, January 8, 2024

All-New Disney On Ice Magic in the Stars Show Debuting in Chicagoland from January 18-February 4, 2024

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars 

features the most Disney characters in one show!

Highlighted by the on-ice debuts of Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and 

Frozen 2 with Elsa & Anna

**All-New Show Debuting in Chicagoland 

January 18-February 4, 2024**

Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! Witness the captivating on-ice debut of Asha from the epic Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated musical adventure Wish, releasing in theaters on November 22. Asha and her friend Star will dazzle audiences as they skate to “This Wish,” written by Julia Michaels and Ben Rice and performed by Academy Award®- winning actress Ariana DeBose. 

One of our fabulous freelancers, Kim, will be out with her kids to cover opening night on the 18th, so check back with ChiIL Mama soon, for the inside scoop. 

This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Allstate Arena, January 18-21, 2024, and February 1-4, 2024, and the United Center, January 25-28, 2024.

Join Disney On Ice for a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy through timeless tales and today’s favorites. The adventure begins when the North Star shines brightly and descends upon Jiminy Cricket as he welcomes and reminds the audience that the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish.

Journey to Rosas, the kingdom of wishes, to meet optimistic and sharp-witted Asha, from Disney’s newest animated musical feature Wish. She makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy named Star. Together they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Watch as Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon debuts live on ice and ascends into the air, lifting the show to higher heights as the strong warrior performs an aerial acro-pole routine. And for the first time on ice, escape “Into the Unknown” with Elsa and Anna from Frozen 2. 

Travel to the mountains of Colombia where the Madrigal family lives, unlock the magic in the family’s casita, and discover why “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

Set sail with Moana on her canoe into the open ocean, to witness her encourage Te Kā to “Know Who You Are” and transform into Te Fiti. 

Prepare to hit the road with Disney and Pixar’s Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater as they cruise on the ice to “Life Is A Highway,” 


and reconnect with Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Rex, and Hamm.


Pursue your dreams with Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, as she strives to make her wish of opening a restaurant come true. Discover the power of three wishes with Aladdin when he finds a magic lamp in the Cave of Wonders. 


Reminisce with Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Rapunzel as they remind us to never stop wishing and dreaming.


In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has dreams they want to come true, but the brightest light shines inside of YOU! Every one of you is a STAR! So, shine bright and let your stories light up the night sky!

R O S E M O N T

Thursday, January 18 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 20 – 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 21 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

Thursday, February 1 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, February 2 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, February 3 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 4 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

WHERE:           

Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018


C H I C A G O

Thursday, January 25 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 26 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:           

United Center – 1901 West Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612 


TICKETS:          

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office. It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

“Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” Character Experience

Enhance your Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars show ticket with a preshow Character Experience. “Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” includes crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and great photo opportunities.

Please note: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce.

About Feld Entertainment®

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Rosemont Monster Jam® Tickets On-Sale Now For September 16-18, 2022

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world races into Allstate Arena on September 16-18


This. Is. Monster Jam™!  The most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world today returns to Rosemont for an adrenaline-charged weekend at Allstate Arena on September 16-18.  Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Monster Jam® features world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com

The Monster Jam Pit Party will be held on Saturday and Sunday. At the Monster Jam Pit Party, fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly fun.  This unique experience is the only place that allows people to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition.

Rosemont fans will witness a fierce battle for the event championship with each skilled Monster Jam athlete tearing up the dirt with gravity-defying feats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks going head-to-head for points in Freestyle, Skills, Donuts and Racing competitions.  Plus, fans can become part of the action by voting for the winner in the Skills, Donuts and Freestyle competitions via real-time, in-stadium fan voting on their smartphones. 

The all-star lineup will feature multiple fan favorites including GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ Krysten Anderson, driver of legendary Grave Digger®, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and Armando Castro who grabs the bull by the horns behind the wheel of El Toro Loco®. 

Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world.

 

WHEN:

Friday, September 16 – 7 PM

Saturday, September 17 – 1 PM & 7 PM | Pit Party 10:30 AM – Noon

Sunday, September 18 – 1 PM & 6:30 PM | Pit Party 10:30 AM – Noon

WHERE: Allstate Arena, 6920 North Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

TRUCK LINEUP: Grave Digger driven by Krysten Anderson; EarthShaker driven by Tristan England; El Toro Loco driven by Armando Castro; Zombie driven by Brittany Marcotte; Stone Crusher driven by Chad Tingler; Hooked driven by Shane Phreed; Overbored driven by Jamey Garner; Wildside driven by Zach Garner.

**Truck and driver line-up subject to change

 

TICKETS:

Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Visit MonsterJam.com for more detailed information on the event.

For more info about a Monster Jam event near you, follow Monster Jam on our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and TikTok.   Subscribe to the Monster Jam YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/MonsterJam


About Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live!, and Jurassic World Live Tour. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

 

About Monster Jam

Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, Monster Jam® features world-class athletes competing for championships on perfectly engineered dirt tracks that push these ever-evolving, state-of-the-art trucks to the limit. Beyond the 350 global live events each year, the Monster Jam brand extends off the track into the home through products, content and merchandise that keeps the fun alive year-round.  For more information, visit MonsterJam.com.

 

 

 

 

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Adventures at Monster Jam at Allstate Arena in Rosemont February 25-27th, 2022

ChiIL Mama Exclusive:

Guest Review and Photo Filled Recap 

by Bridget Bodo and her son, Sebu Bodo

All Photos by Sebu Bodo

When I showed my fifteen year old son a photo of a monster truck standing on two wheels and asked if he would like to go to Monster Jam, he may have lacked the exuberance of a five or six year old, but he said sure and that it looked “fun”. He had been to stock car racing in the suburbs years ago and found that exciting, so we both assumed this would be in the same ballpark. He asked if we could bring his friend and when the plans were set, we started the journey Friday evening from Chicago to Rosemont. This was at 5:30pm and right in the middle of rush hour, so it was a solid hour to get to the show which was being held at Allstate Arena.

Unlike going to a Chicago Wolves game at Allstate Arena, the traffic for Monster Jam started a mile or so down the road. Clearly it has a LOT of fans! Even with people working the traffic and parking detail, it still took about twenty to thirty minutes to park. Unfortunately, this put us right at the 7pm start time. The $25 parking fee didn’t help to brighten the moment, either. Luckily the security check was quick and no one had to stand outside in the twenty degree temperatures, but it definitely would have been better to plan for the parking delay in advance.

As we hurried to our section, we were startled by the sudden sound that was clearly blaring engines. Alas....the signature sounds of Monster Jam, I’m sure!!! Luckily, I am a person who has always valued hearing and has taken ear protection very seriously, so once we found our seats and sat down, I quickly handed my son and his friend some colorful pairs of earplugs I brought from home and put the remaining pair in my ears. In no time, we were all wearing them and were able to focus on the show. Upon checking the Monster Jam website, I found out that ear protection, including novelty wear, is sold at the show while supplies last. That was reassuring as the noise level would have made watching the show without them extremely uncomfortable.





Something else that was slightly uncomfortable was the air quality. Even with giant fans blowing and seemingly no heat (our winter coats and hats stayed on the entire time), dust particles from the trucks spinning their tires were airbound. One time there were chunks of mud thrown up into the audience, even striking a teenager two rows in front of us. He found it amusing and it may just be what every seasoned fan in the closer rows looks forward to at Monster Jam, but in case someone is new to the event like we were, it is something to consider when choosing seats, especially the seats in the rows closer to the action. The seating that we were in also had very little leg room. Considering I’m a person who, courtesy of an accident, only has one real leg to deal with, it still was a tight fit. I learned that there was more spacious seating for people with disabilities as well as VIP seating, but as for the general seating, at least in section 113, it was a little tight.

But then, none of that seemed to matter. Almost instantly, we were caught up in the energy of what must truly be “Monster Jam”! Families everywhere, with children from toddlers to  teens, were smiling, laughing and cheering on the various trucks as each one tried to get the highest scores racing each other around the track. There was a scoreboard and an announcer and judges were mentioned, but the announcer kept reminding the fans that they were the ones to truly decide the scores by way of an online vote. 

As we didn’t receive any sort of program and I didn’t see anything about a QR code for a program, it took me about half the show to see that there was a website being displayed. Clearly my contact lens prescription needs updating because I read the website as judgezone.com instead of judgeszone.com (which I found the next day from the official Monster Jam website). This small mistake took me to an unsecure website which had various choices regarding monster trucks and Monster Jam but otherwise seemed spammy. After a few attempts, I gave up but realized it didn’t affect the experience we had with the show. 

The results of each competition, from monster truck races to freestyle dirt bikes to monster truck donuts to monster truck freestyle, were clearly displayed after each event. Recaps of each truck and dirt bike’s standing in the overall competition were also displayed from time to time. What was remarkable, too, was the general feeling in the room. Competitors would win, they would lose, and always they would stay in good spirits. Arms up and jumping up and down to elicit crowd reaction and support for doing something well, or a shrug and arm stretched out to give credit for a job well done to a fellow competitor in times of a loss, with a name like “Monster Jam” and the idea of tough-looking monster trucks in general, I never would have guessed that is how it would have played out. It truly was a family-friendly event full of good sportsmanship....which everyone can learn from.





After about four events with breaks in between, each with their own set of entertainment as well as and an opportunity to stand up and stretch, get a bite to eat from one of the numerous vendors, or use the restrooms, the event was over and we were left with an overall feeling of an evening well-spent. With all of the otherwise unimaginable tricks and flips that we saw, Monster Jam certainly will be unforgettable.




Bridget Bodo is an actor, writer, speaker, sailboat racer, survivor and a mom. Despite losing her left leg traumatically, she’ll never tire of “Break a leg” being said to her. She finds humor in the irony of it all.

All Photos above by Sebu Bodo


ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List:
Family Friendly Fun



Here at ChiIL Mama, we've been covering Monster Jam for years and we're thrilled to see them roaring back, post pandemic. We're even more stoked that the freestyle dirt bikes jumps are back in the lineup, as that's always been a huge hit with our family and a big fan favorite.

Rosemont fans will witness a fierce battle for the event championship with each skilledMonster Jam athlete tearing up the dirt with gravity-defying feats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks going head-to-head for points in Freestyle, the Skills Challenge and Racing competitions. Watch your favorite Monster Jam trucks and drivers go head-to-head in a competitive format that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seat. 

Monster Jam is working closely with our venue partners to adjust protocols for the safety and wellness of guests based on state and local requirements. 


For details about Monster Jam’s Ultimate Lineup, Tckets, and Fan Wellness, click here.   



 

Grave Digger: Krysten Anderson

El Toro Loco: Elvis Lainez

Soldier Fortune Black Ops: Tony Ochs

Wild Side: Zack Garner

Terminal Velocity: Jon Zimmer Jr.

Max-D: Blake Granger

Raminator: Mark Hall

Rammunition: Kurt Kraehmer


Happy to see Krysten Anderson is driving one of the top favorites, Grave Digger, inspiring mighty girls, and proving that big trucks aren't just for boys!

**ChiIL Tips: Remember ear plugs or over ear protection for everyone and for children in particular. Monster Jam can be LOUD.** 

Scroll down and check out lots of ChiIL Mama's past original photo and video filled Monster Jam features here!


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