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Home » Orange County

🏁 Monster Jam Anaheim: Family Tips for Angel Stadium

By Jill Parkin • Published: Jan 1, 2025 · Updated: Sep 13, 2026

This guide is updated for the 2026-2027 Monster Jam season. Tip: Bookmark this page! We update it every year with the latest dates, tips, and planning advice for Angel Stadium.

Monster Jam is coming to Anaheim on December 19-20, 2026, and January 16-17 and 30-31, 2027!!! The December show is Monster Jam's all-new Christmas Chaos event, which you can read about on the Christmas Chaos Event Page. The January shows are the traditional Monster Jam format.

For our family, we eagerly anticipate wintertime, because that means Monster Jam is coming to Orange County! We are lifelong fans and look forward to going to Monster Jam at Angel Stadium of Anaheim all year long...and the good news is that the wait is finally over.

Monster Jam Anaheim Dates & Location

Monster Jam Anaheim 2026 & 2027 will take place at Angel Stadium on the following dates:

  • December 19-20, 2026
  • January 16-17, 2027
  • January 30-31, 2027

What to Know Before Going to Monster Jam Anaheim

Monster Jam is one of the loudest and most exciting family events in Orange County! If you're heading to Angel Stadium for Monster Jam, these family-tested tips will help you know what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of your day with kids.

Monster Jam is great for the whole family...and I would love to share some of my BEST TIPS for Family Fun at Monster Jam in Anaheim.

Monster Jam Pit Party: My Best Tips

The Pit Party, happens a few hours before the Monster Jam show. You need a separate event ticket for this, and these tickets sell out quick. Monster Jam Anaheim Pit Passes are $25 per person. The Pit Party is where you can get up close to these massive trucks and even meet your favorite drivers.

There are also booths with hands-on activities, game booths and food vendors. this year, the lines to get into the pit party were extra long due to security, so we only got to enjoy it for a short time.

TIP #1 - Make a day of it. We always have the most fun when we do the whole experience. Pit Party, tailgating and then heading to official Monster Jam show.

TIP #2 - Plan ahead and don't run late. Double check the event time. Angel Stadium in Anaheim is big and there will be a lot of people trying to get into the venue. Whether you are going to the Pit Party or just the main Monster Jam show, plan on getting there about an hour early. Lines can be long getting through security and you don't want to miss the show.

When does the Monster Jam Anaheim Pit Party open it's Gates?

The Monster Jam Anaheim Pit Party takes place before each show and opening times vary by day. On Saturdays, the Pit Party is open from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. On Sundays, the Pit Party opens earlier, from 10:30am to 1:30pm. An event ticket and Pit Party Pass are required for entry.

TIP #3 - Get to the pit party when it opens. This is one of the best parts of Monster Jam in my opinion. I highly suggest getting there at least 30 minutes before opening, as the lines are usually very long.

TIP #4 - Bring something to get the drivers autographs on. It's really fun to wear a Monster Jam shirt or bring a Monster Jam poster to get signed by the drivers during the Pit Party. I have also seen people bring toy Monster Jam trucks and also notebooks to get signed.

Here are some of the photos from our visit to one of the Monster Jam Pit Parties.

I really like to get Dani's photo with girl drivers so that she can see driving monster trucks is not just for boys. This is Brianna Mahon's monster truck, Whiplash. She was the only female driver of the evening when we went. Unfortunately, we got to the truck a little late and Brianna had to run out. But we still got Dani's photo with Whiplash!

We all really enjoyed the Pit Party, and so did our grandparents!  Then we headed back to our car for a tailgate dinner....because that is what you do at Monster Jam.

Bring a Picnic to Tailgate at Monster Jam

Can You Tailgate at Monster Jam at Angel Stadium in Anaheim?

The answer is YES!

TIP #5 - Bring food to Tailgate. I love to make our Monster Jam extra special, so I buy special picnic foods to enjoy between the Pit Party and Monster Jam show. My yummy picnic includes cold cut sandwiches, deli style chips, dips, pasta salads, homemade cookies, brownies and drinks.

How much does parking cost at Monster Jam Anaheim? Parking at Angel Stadium runs $25 per vehicle for General and $35 for Preferred. All on-site payments are cashless (debit/credit cards and Apple/Android Pay accepted).

TIP #6 - When Tailgating, bring a folding table for the food, and some beach chairs. You can open your trunk and enjoy your picnic dinner right in the parking lot before the show.

Can You Bring Food into Monster Jam at Angel Stadium?

TIP #7 - You can also bring food into the stadium...as long as it is not in bulk. Unopened water, gatorade, juice boxes, empty reusable water bottles are also allowed into the stadium.

I like to bring snacks such as peanuts, popcorn, candy and licorice for the kids to enjoy during the show. Because they always beg for food inside no matter how much they've already eaten.

What time does Monster Jam at Angel Stadium Begin?

Monster Jam in Anaheim begins at 4:30pm on Saturdays and 2:30pm on Sundays.

After tailgating, head into Angels Stadium to get ready for the show to start. It's very exciting to see it all ready and set-up for a Monster Jam competition. The show is super loud once the trucks get going, so it is really important to protect those kids ears from the noise...even adults need ear plugs. Of course the baby had a really good pair of headphones to protect her ears.

Is Monster Jam Loud?

TIP #8 - Bring Earplugs for everyone, and noise cancelling ear phones for kids and babies. You can usually find them at Walmart, Buy Buy Baby, and Amazon. Vendors usually sell them outside of Angel Stadium for a premium price, and of course they sell them inside the venue.

What should you wear to Monster Jam?

TIP #9 - Dress for the weather. Monster Jam happens whether is warm or cold, rain or shine, so make sure to dress appropriately. Ponchos are great for rainy weather, and jackets, scarves, hats and gloves are great for cold weather. You can also bring a light blanket.

What if it rains at Monster Jam?

The Monster Jam Anaheim Rain Policy is RAIN OR SHINE!!!! So bring an umbrella, poncho or waterproof coat if the weather is rainy.

The Monster Jam competition began with a head to head competition race with trucks racing against each other. then they had a new race, called the "two wheel" competition. This is where trucks tried to do tricks on just two wheels. It's amazing to see what some of these truck can do. There will be a few wrecks...which always makes the crowd go wild!

Is there an App for Monster Jam?

Tip #10 - Have your smartphone ready with the Monster Jam App. Fans were able to vote in real-time for the trucks using their cell phones! This arena fan voting for your favorite drivers is so much fun, adding to the excitement of the night.

It's pretty interesting to see the scores the kids give to the drivers, and hearing their explanations on why they deserve each score given. I love that everyone gets to participate in picking the winners, it make the show even more fun.

The last race of the night are the freestyle competitions. All of the trucks pretty much wreck themselves by going all out on the stunts and speed. Almost all the trucks ended up without shells, and trucks will even do backflips!!!!! It AMAZING!!! Get ready for the crowd to go wild.

Want to know what the Monster Jam Anaheim 2027 Line up is?

January 16-17 & 30-31, 2027 MONSTER TRUCK & DRIVER LINEUPS:  

  • Grave Digger - Tyler Menninga
  • El Toro Loco - Joe Foley
  • Megalodon - Jon Koehler
  • Sparkle Smash - Jamie Sullivan
  • Zombie - Bari Musawwir
  • Bailey Circuit - Cory Rummell
  • Jester - Matt Pagliarulo
  • Avenger - Jim Koehler
  • Mayhem - Chris Koehler
  • Excaliber - Mike Pagliarulo
  • Son-uva Digger - Ryan Anderson
  • Truck TBA - Colt Stephens

Please note: Monster Jam lineups can vary by weekend and are subject to change.

What to Bring to Monster Jam Anaheim with Kids

As you can see, Monster Jam is fun for kids! It's actually great for all ages, for families, for date nights, a night out with friends and more.

By the end of the night, we have so much fun that the little kids are usually all tuckered out. 

I should also mention that our family feels that Monster Jam gets better and better every year. Last year was the best we had ever been to!  The driving was awesome, the tricks were amazing, the crowd was ecstatic, and the show was very entertaining.  Monster Jam surely didn't disappoint, I'm so glad that I got to experience it with my boys AND my little girl.

Is Monster Jam Good for Kids?

We go as an entire family - mom, dad, boys and girl. Even grandma and grandpa love to go with us. What a treat to witness world-class athletes compete in intense competitions of speed, fierce head to head battles, the pursuit of perfection and event championship.

Discount Promo Code for Monster Jam Tickets

Unfortunately, there are no promo codes this year for Monster Jam Tickets. BUT...if you sign up with Rakuten, you can get 3% cash back when you purchase from Ticketmaster!

Get your Monster Jam Tickets Early!

TIP #11 - You never know how fast Monster Jam tickets will sell out, so I suggest getting tickets early...especially pit party tickets (those sell out the fastest). This year there are three weekends to see Monster Jam in Orange County! So if you want to go, make sure to get your tickets soon before they sell out.  

Can you get Free Pit Passes to Monster Jam Anaheim?

Unfortunately, Monster Jam Pit Passes are not free. Pit Passes for this VIP experience are available for $25 on Ticketmaster.com or the Angel Stadium Box Office. You can get 3% cash back from your order by using Rakuten, so this is basically the best Monster Jam coupon or promo code you can get!

This unique experience is the only place that allows guests to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider's look at how these trucks are built.  

Best Seats for Monster Jam in Anaheim

TIP #12 - If you can only afford seats at the top...it's okay!  I just wanted to mention that all seats at monster jam are great! You can see everything up there. Some people prefer sitting up high. Seats down low are great for being up close, but you can't always see everything. So there are benefits up high as well as down low.

If you want to be really close, sit near the top on the lowest sections. If you sit in the closest seats near the bottom, it will be hard to see everything because there are cargo containers and barricades set out along the perimeter to keep trucks from entering the audience. They are kind of tall and block some of the view.

Best Place to Sit at Monster Jam Anaheim

I would say the best seats are the middle level seats in the first couple rows! Doesn't matter which side of the stadium. However, it may be nice to be on the left or right field area where you can still see the jumbotron.

Anaheim Stadium Monster Jam Seating Chart

Click here for a seating chart of Monster Jam at Angel Stadium.

Can I Reserve Monster Jam Suites in Anaheim?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase a suite for Monster Jam. Suite rentals are now available for the upcoming six 2026 & 2027 Monster Jam shows at Angel Stadium. Click here for more information.

Monster Jam Anaheim FAQs

Is Monster Jam Anaheim loud for kids?
Yes. Monster Jam is extremely loud. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are highly recommended for kids and babies.

How long is Monster Jam Anaheim?
Most Monster Jam Anaheim shows last about 2 to 2.5 hours, including racing, skills competitions, and freestyle.

Is the Monster Jam Pit Party worth it?
Absolutely. The Pit Party is one of the best parts of Monster Jam, especially for kids who want to see the trucks up close and meet drivers.

Monster Jam Anaheim is one of our favorite family traditions, and we can't wait to go again this year. Whether it's your first time or your fifth, a little planning goes a long way in making the experience unforgettable.

More Orange County

  • Monster Jam Christmas Chaos in Anaheim (2026)
  • Inside Roger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique 2026: Moonlight Masquerade
  • THE WIZ Opens at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa (January 2026)
  • Día de los Muertos | Day of the Dead Events for Families in Orange County

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JD

    June 24, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    Great page. Does it matter which side of an outdoor venue you sit on? Such as a football stadium?

    Reply
    • Jill

      June 25, 2021 at 11:21 am

      No, I would say all seats are great!

      Reply
    • Sara Laree

      January 13, 2022 at 11:01 am

      Thank you for the info helped prepare me for our day

      Reply
  2. Andrea Speck

    January 23, 2022 at 1:50 pm

    Attended Sat, 1/22 event. Our party purchased the pit passes for the afternoon session. Since we had been told by some individuals who went to the morning session that there wasn't much going on (probably due to Covid) and nothing compared to prior years, we decided to wait to enter since it ended at 5:30. When we arrived at 5, it was already closed. So, my advice is not to bother buying pit passes. Also, the staff outside didn't seem to know where to direct folks to enter the stadium. We were told one line was for the pit party and go to the left and we got in line and then we were told to turn around and go back to the line we were going to get in originally.

    Reply
    • Dreah

      February 12, 2022 at 11:29 am

      Were you allowed to take a backpack, snacks, and drinks in?

      Reply
      • Jill

        February 15, 2022 at 12:10 pm

        Yes, I do believe so. But I would double check the Angel Stadium website.

        Reply
  3. Nikky

    February 01, 2022 at 11:13 pm

    This is great! Thanks! Can't wait for the pit party and show!

    Reply
  4. Tanya Neal

    February 23, 2022 at 9:45 am

    Hi! Need some advice about Tailgating before the show! We are going to the 6:30 pm show- what time do you think we will need to arrive to have a little tailgate time and then walk into the venue? Also it gets dark at 5:30 are people out tailgating at that time? Thx!

    Reply
    • Jill

      February 23, 2022 at 10:22 am

      Allow 30 minutes to get through security and get to your seats. I would say get there at 5ish.

      Reply
    • Rubin

      February 24, 2022 at 9:07 pm

      what time do the gates open for tailgaiting with my rv

      Reply
  5. Dr. Dee

    February 26, 2022 at 1:40 pm

    Thank you for your article.
    Which gate do you enter for the show?

    Reply
  6. Cheryl Chaffee

    February 26, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    What time does it end?

    Reply
  7. Kem MoonHeart

    April 22, 2022 at 2:14 am

    Can you add DazzDeals

    Reply
  8. Niloufar

    October 09, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    thank you for the tips! we are going for the first time and taking my 3 year old!
    What seats did you guys have?

    Reply
  9. jeffrey

    January 12, 2023 at 1:19 pm

    What is the price for parking? I can't seem to find a clear answer.

    Reply
    • Jill

      January 16, 2023 at 10:43 am

      I believe its $20 - $25.

      Reply
  10. Joe

    February 08, 2023 at 5:19 pm

    How early can you arrive if you plan on tailgating in the parking lot. What time does the parking lot open up to tailgaters bringing an RV?

    Reply
    • Jill

      February 10, 2023 at 10:13 am

      Here is some info: https://www.mlb.com/angels/ballpark/information/guide
      You might want to call. But I believe the parking lot opens an hour before the event, and the pit party starts at 1:30pm on Saturday and earlier on Sunday. So I would say noon at least.

      Reply
    • Ashlyn

      February 10, 2023 at 6:04 pm

      Did you ever find out what time to enter to tailgate

      Reply
  11. Ashlyn

    February 10, 2023 at 6:05 pm

    Hi do you know if we need to purchase the pit party pass to tailgate

    Thank you

    Reply
  12. Rachel

    May 04, 2023 at 6:16 pm

    OMG, THank you sooo much for sharing your experience!!
    I am a mom rasing 4-year old BOY in South Korea.
    Been planning our trip to the US ONLY for the Monster JAM! Haha
    And Your post has just saved my time and energy soooooo much!!!
    I truly with allll the best for you and your family!!!
    AGAIN, Thank you soooo much!!!

    Reply
    • Steve

      February 06, 2024 at 9:30 pm

      Hey Rachel,
      Did you end up going to the monster jam? We are going this weekend and were wondering where are the best seats? Do you recommend sitting up close or far back? Thanks and have a great day.
      Steve

      Reply
  13. Chelsea

    January 25, 2025 at 10:00 pm

    Last year, the trucks were in display for free a few nights prior to the event at a local Walmart. Do you know if there will be something like this again this year?

    Reply

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