“Build it and they will come.” It’s a line that is often misquoted from the movie Field of Dreams (the actual quote is “build it and he will come”), but it exemplifies Monster Jam® and its first step into Japan.
An abandoned airstrip was transformed into a Monster Jam arena for three mid-week events in Osaka, Japan. The events were scheduled during “Golden Week”, a Japanese holiday period and the timing allowed families to get a firsthand view of this global spectacle.
Each day began with a pre-show festival and the lines were long when the gates opened at 10 a.m. Fans were able to head directly to the BKT Tires Ride Truck, which was a very popular attraction. They were entertained by the Monster Energy FMX team with high flying tricks. Monster Jam drivers signed autographs at their trucks, which loomed over the crowds.
The matinee performances began at 3:30 p.m. Many fans left the festival to get the best seats when the arena doors opened and the crowd was subdued until the Monster Jam trucks hit the floor in the fury of introductions, pulling the new fans right into the performance.
Each Monster Jam truck and driver was accompanied by an ATV “teammate” as points were on the line for event championships. Monster Jam Racing, Wheelies and Donuts carried one point toward the event title. Freestyle was weighted with two points, providing late performance drama. The winner of each of two ATV heat races got one-half point for his team while the ATV main was awarded one full point.
Team Max-DTM etched its name in the record book as first winner in Monster Jam competition in Japan. The team would repeat in the Thursday show, but a Wednesday championship by Team Grave Digger® prevented the sweep. Complete results can be found here.
Despite rain during the first show, Monster Jam made a positive first impression on Japanese fans. The continued global expansion will allow more of the world to enjoy these shows on their home turf with international events scheduled throughout the summer.