Get ready for big-time excitement at tonight's monster truck obstacle-course race at the Monster Jam, sponsored by the United States Hot Rod Association. "It's really great, because it can be both entertaining and competitive," says Monster Jam spokeswoman Kenna Conway. "These machines are huge, but they're operating at NASCAR capabilities."
An extreme event -- the trucks can hit speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and jump 110 to 115 feet in the air -- the Monster Jam will roll into the Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Place, at 8 p.m. and continue tomorrow at 2 p.m., leaving a trail of demolished cars and buses in its wake. "The fans want to see them flip, and they want to see them tear up the course," says Conway. "They pay to see destruction, and we give it to them."
On top of the gnarly eleven-foot-plus machines, Monster Jam also sports four-wheeler Quad Wars and a woman who shoots herself out of a cannon. Tickets are $20 to $25 for adults, $5 for kids, and are available at the Pepsi Center box office, 303-830-TIXS or www.ticketmaster.com.
Those who really want to get up close and personal with these 9,000-pound monsters should definitely be at tomorrow's Pit Party, held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Center (free passes are available in advance at all local Advance Auto Parts stores). "We open up the pits so the fans can meet the drivers, get autographs, check out the trucks," says Conway. "It's great to be able to interact like that."
For information, go to www.ushra.com. -- Julie Dunn
Viva los Hoopsters!
The Nuggets reach out
FRI, 1/9
A lot has changed in the Denver Nuggets organization since Kiki Vandeweghe took the reins as general manager two years ago -- and we're not just talking about the standings, roster and uniforms. Sure, the addition of marquee player Carmelo Anthony has helped transform the once perennial also-rans into a viable contender and put asses in the seats, but even more stunning is the team's marked effort to revamp its image off the court. Tonight, in an attempt to show that they're "down with the brown," the Nuggets will host the Utah Jazz for an evening billed as a Hispanic Celebration. What a stark contrast from a few years ago, when Dan Issel fired off his infamous expletive-filled missile at a heckling fan: "Have another beer, you Mexican piece of shit!" The Horse has since been put out to pasture, and the Nuggets now aim to prove that the words of one Kentucky-bred redneck don't speak for an entire organization. The game starts at 7 p.m.; go to www.nuggets.com for ticket information. Viva la raza! -- Dave Herrera
