Monster truck shows are popular events in many cities across the United States. They feature giant, customized trucks that race, perform stunts, and crush smaller vehicles. For monster truck fans in Louisiana, one of the best places to catch a show is in Baton Rouge. The city has hosted major monster truck events for over 30 years at venues like the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena. Keep reading to learn more about upcoming monster truck shows in Baton Rouge, where they are held, and tips for attending.
Upcoming Monster Truck Shows in Baton Rouge
Some of the biggest monster truck show tours make stops in Baton Rouge each year. Here are details on some of the upcoming events:
Monster Jam
Monster Jam is one of the most popular monster truck tours and makes a stop at the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena in Baton Rouge annually. The next event is scheduled for March 10-12, 2023. Fans can expect to see famous monster trucks like Grave Digger, Max-D, and Monster Mutt Dalmatian driven by top drivers during racing, freestyle stunts, and head-to-head battles.
Monster Trucks Unlimited
Monster Trucks Unlimited is another national tour coming to Baton Rouge in 2023. Their show featuring trucks like Bounty Hunter, Scarlet Bandit, and Iron Outlaw is set for July 21-22 at the River Center Arena. These shows are known for lots of crush car stunts and big air jumps.
Winter Nationals
The Winter Nationals is a new monster truck event added to the Baton Rouge calendar for 2023. This show hosted by the Monster Truck Racing Association will take over the River Center Arena on January 13-15. Some of the scheduled trucks include Saigon Shaker, Razin Kane, and Quad Chaos. Fans can expect racing, donuts, wheelies, and backflips.
Fall Nationals
Baton Rouge will also host the Fall Nationals monster truck show October 6-8, 2023 at the River Center Arena. This event features trucks competing for national points championships. Drivers go all out as they battle for the season titles in racing and freestyle.
Where Monster Truck Shows Are Held in Baton Rouge
The main venue for major monster truck events in Baton Rouge is the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena located downtown. This large arena has the space needed for truck racing lanes, dirt ramps, and seating capacity for thousands of screaming fans.
Some key details about the River Center Arena:
– Opened in 1977
– Over 13,000 seating capacity
– Hosts concerts, sports, family shows
– Home of the Baton Rouge Rougarou hockey team
– Address: 275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
In addition to the River Center, some smaller monster truck shows are occasionally held outdoors at venues like the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. But for the major touring shows, the River Center Arena is the place to see them in Baton Rouge.
Tips for Attending Monster Truck Shows in Baton Rouge
To help you have the best experience at a monster truck show in Baton Rouge, keep these attendance tips in mind:
Get tickets early
These shows often sell out, so get your tickets as soon as they go on sale. You don’t want to miss out. You can buy tickets on each show’s website, at the River Center box office, and on third-party sites like Ticketmaster.
Arrive early
Give yourself plenty of time to get parked, get through security, find your seats, and grab food before showtime. You don’t want to miss any of the action because you got there late. Aim to arrive at least one hour before the scheduled start time.
Bring hearing protection
The trucks are LOUD. Like rock concert loud. Bring ear plugs or protective earmuffs so the noise doesn’t negatively affect you or any little ones. Some venues may provide disposable ear plugs at the entrance.
Watch the pits
Get to your seat early enough to watch the trucks and drivers get ready in the pits. This pre-show view gives you an up close look at the massive trucks and chance to meet drivers before the main events.
Stay until the end
Don’t leave early! Some of the best stunts happen at the end during the freestyle finals. Stay until the checkered flag waves to see all the crazy action.
Finding Hotels near the River Center Arena
If you’re traveling to Baton Rouge for a monster truck show, staying close to the River Center Arena reduces commute time. Here are some of the most convenient hotel options:
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
– 0.1 miles away
– Connected to arena via skywalk
– Rooftop pool, fitness center
– On-site restaurant and bar
Hampton Inn Downtown
– 0.2 miles away
– Free hot breakfast
– Fitness and business centers
– Local shuttle service
Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Convention Center
– 0.4 miles away
– Cafe open for breakfast/dinner
– 24 hour fitness and market
– Rooftop courtyard
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
– 0.3 miles away
– Free hot breakfast buffet
– Rooftop swimming pool
– Fitness and business centers
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
– 0.6 miles away
– Free daily breakfast buffet
– Outdoor pool and fitness room
– 24 hour business center
Restaurants near the River Center
Fuel up before or after a monster truck show at some of the top-rated restaurants within walking distance of the arena:
Otra Vez Taqueria and Tequila
– Mexican food and tequila bar
– Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas
– Margaritas and tequila flights
City Pork Brasserie & Bar
– Upscale tavern fare
– Specialties – bacon, charcuterie, house-made sausages
– Craft cocktails and local beers
Olive or Twist
– Mediterranean cuisine
– Shareable small plates
– Wine bar with extensive selection
Capital City Grill
– Steakhouse classics
– Hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, signature cocktails
– Live music on outdoor patio
Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar
– Cajun and Creole dishes
– Raw bar with fresh Louisiana oysters
– Specialty cocktails like Oyster Shots
Conclusion
Baton Rouge has been a top destination for monster truck fans for over 30 years thanks to its hosting of major touring events at the River Center Arena downtown. Upcoming shows in 2023 like Monster Jam and Monster Trucks Unlimited will feature all the excitement of high-flying stunts and crushing car demolitions that make these shows so popular. By getting tickets early, arriving before showtime, and staying until the end, you’ll have the best experience at a monster truck show in Baton Rouge. And with great hotels and restaurants nearby, it’s easy to make a weekend out of the motor mayhem. So start your engines and get ready to Rumble on Down in Baton Rouge!