One of the biggest events in every petrolhead’s calendar is back in Cardiff this weekend – here is everything you need to know
Monster Jam is back – bigger and better than ever – but it will mean some road closures in Cardiff
Monster Jam is roaring back into the Welsh capital this weekend, bringing a full throttle weekend of monster trucks, massive stunts and family entertainment to the Principality Stadium. On Saturday, May 16, fans can expect an adrenaline-fuelled showcase as some of the world’s most fearless drivers unleash 12,000-pound machines in a battle of speed, control and skill.
This year’s event will also mark the UK debut of Sparkle Smash. Those in Cardiff will be the first ones to see the bold, unicorn-inspired truck, which is already turning heads for its wild personality and fierce competitive edge. From gravity defying jumps to precision two-wheel tricks and huge freestyle moments, the action promises to keep crowds on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The world class line-up of male and female drivers will compete across Racing, Skills and the fan favourite Freestyle competition, where creativity and chaos collide. Expect soaring backflips, high speed duels and unbelievable stunts as Monster Jam delivers one of the most explosive live motorsport experiences of the year.
Below is everything you need to know ahead of this motor spectacular. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Key Timings
According to the Principality Stadium, the timings are as follows, however they do remain subject to change:
- 11am: Partial road closure, further details can be seen in this article.
- 10am to 1pm: The Pit Party, start your day off by getting up close and personal with these massive trucks and learn about how they are built. You can also meet your favourite drivers and crews, get autographs and take pictures as well as a range of other family-friendly activities, which vary by location . Last entry will be 12.30pm.
- 1.30pm: Gates open for the main event
- 3pm: The main event begins.
- 7.30pm: The roads re-open.
Tickets
Ahead of the event, it’s worth knowing how to enter the stadium via the Principality’s new automatic turnstiles. It is recommended that if you have multiple tickets on your phone, you transfer these to whoever are using them before the event so that each person has their own ticket.
Your ticket will display the gate you should be using to enter the stadium. When approaching the gate, it is advised to have your app open with the QR code displayed. Any problems, stewards will be on hand to help.
After passing through the search area, you will go through to one of the turnstile lanes – again, make sure you have your ticket on the screen ready. According to guidance, once it’s your turn, face the screen and place yourself as close to the barrier as you can – do not attempt to push it with your hand. Scan your ticket by placing your phone upwards underneath the red light of the reader. The ticket can not be read anywhere else on the turnstile. Once the screen has gone green, you can go through into the stadium.
There is a no re-entry policy on this event, meaning there is no readmission. Once you exit the Pit Party, you are unable to return to the Pit Party. This is also applicable to the main event.
Prohibited items
Prior to entering the stadium, all spectators will be subject to a random search. Anyone with the following items, must surrender them as part of condition to entry.
- Professional cameras
- Audio/video recorders
- Lasers/flashlight
- Selfie sticks
- Pyrotechnics
- Knives
- Tasers
- Mace
- Drink containers
- Glass
Large bags are also not permitted to enter the stadium, only small bags and handbags are allowed. They can be no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm.
The full list can be found here. It is also important to note that if you require medication that does not fit into an A4 size bag, then you should have submitted a medical exemption to customercare@wru.wales. This should be done no later than five days before the event, therefore the deadline has now passed. No exceptions will be issued on the day.
Road Closures
On May 16, the following roads will be closed from 11am until 7.30pm:
- Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Wharton Street and Womanby Street
- Wood Street from Fitzhammon Embankment through to St Mary Street junction of Mill Lane
- Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road, Despenser Gardens, Scott Road, Havelock Street and Park Street.
Castle Street, Cowbridge Road West, Duke Street and Kingsway will remain open to traffic, however there will be traffic lights at the Hilton Hotel junction to give access to buses.
Station Terrace will also be closed for a short period of time to allow Queen Street Station to operate safely after the event ends at approximately 6.15pm.
Parking
Civic Centre Event Day Parking (Cars and Coaches)
Getting there: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signage to the civic centre.
It is £20 payable on the day for cars and £30 for coaches – card payments are also now available.
The car park will open at 8am and closes at 12am (midnight).
Event Day Parking at Sophia Gardens
Getting there: Exit junction 32 off the M4
It is also £20 for cars and £30 for coaches – card payments are now available.
The car park opens at 8am and closes at 12am (midnight).
It is important to note that Sophia Gardens car park will be staffed until 7pm. All vehicles left on site are at the owner’s risk. Cardiff Council will not be held responsible for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal possessions. Any vehicles left in the car park after closing time will also be fined.
Shopping Parking
The following city centre car parks are also available for parking:
- North Road Car Parks
- St David’s Shopping Centre
- John Lewis
- Capitol Shopping Centre
- NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place and Greyfriars Road)
Disabled parking
Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens. However, disabled parking is also available at various private car parks; it is advised to check individual websites for availability ahead of time.
Transport
Local buses
Bus services will be diverted while the city centre road closures are in place. For further information on your specific bus route, refer to the following links:
National Express National Express coaches will use Sophia Gardens as usual.
Can you cycle or walk?
The cycleways and the pop-up cycleways within the road closure area will remain open for cyclists to use during the event, with Cardiff Council urging all cyclists to take due care and attention.
The road closures apply to all motor vehicles of any kind, but not to bicycles with pedals.
Those who live locally in Cardiff may want to travel by bicycle or walk as research shows that 52% of car trips made in the Welsh capital are less than 5km. This is a distance that can be comfortably cycled in 20 minutes.
Taxis
St Mary Street taxi rank will close at 11am and re-open at 7.30pm.
Further information on the event can be found here.
