Monster Jam 2021 to be held on Glenn Highway

Following Governor Mike Dunleavy’s April 2021 proposal to allow ATVs and snowmachines on Alaska highways, the City of Palmer recently announced that they would be hosting “Monster Jam 2021” along the Glenn Highway near the Alaska State Fairgrounds. 

The press release from the Monster Jam event series announced the highway venue as “the latest evolution for Monster Jam. We are excited to take our event series literally onto the road, and to bring some of our greatest legends to Alaska.” 

The monster truck series will run for a full weekend in mid-July, and will feature fan favorite trucks Gravedigger, Megalodon, and Great Clips Mohawk Warrior, along with a motocross jump series feature to open the event. 

Asked about the legality of holding a monster truck rally on a state highway, Alaska’s assistant highway commissioner Josh Leutzinger said, “With new regulations expected to take effect for off-road vehicles, there’s nothing on the books preventing the event from occurring.” 

Monster trucks, which are typically around 12 feet tall, with 66-inch tires, are listed as all terrain vehicles under current state code. 

“I’ve actually already bought my tickets online,” Leutzinger added. He said that he and his office look forward to the responsible entertainment value of the Monster Jam series. 

Locals in the Mat-su Valley, at least, seem to be excited about the upcoming event. Ticket sales have soared, and many are looking forward to the “local stompers” exhibition to be held on Saturday, where amateur modified truck rigs can sign up for a ‘donut’ contest, to see who can do the most spins in one minute. That event will be held in the DMV parking lot just outside the Palmer city limits. 

“Just gotta rev it hunnnnnhh!” said Wasilla resident Brogan Putnam, standing up on the seat of his snowmachine and thrusting his hips into the steering column. Putnam, age 32, plans to participate in the amateurs' donut event. 

Amos Swanson of Chickaloon will be attending both nights of the Jam. “I just hope the tickets aren’t too expensive. And I hope Gravedigger will be there. He’s the tits,” said Swanson

“This is such exciting news. I’ve been wanting to see Monster Jam for years, ever since I saw it in the Metrodome, the greatest stadium ever built. God I miss the Metrodome,” said Andrew Godeen, who grew up in the Minneapolis suburbs but calls Jim Creek his “second home.”

However, not all residents are so enthusiastic about the event. Some have expressed concern about parking, spectator safety, and the fact that the Glenn Highway is a main conduit for tens of thousands of vehicles yet won’t be closed for Monster Jam events.  

 
“I think the middle of the highway is good, a good spot to rally, but you never know what kind of people they allow in these things. Sometimes the wrong kind.” said David Scott Croy of Anchorage.  

A local group has demanded a permit be required, citing safety concerns and economic conflict with the Alaska State Fairgrounds which are located along the same stretch of highway where the Jam is slated to be held. However, Monster Jam has stated such a demand would lead to quick cancellation of the event. 

“One of the reasons we decided to hold it in Palmer is because of the new law,” said Monster Jam’s public relations team leader Brad Karella. “It makes the whole thing really simple.”

The event will be sponsored by national fast food chain Jack-in-the-Box and by local businesses, including the Noisy Goose Cafe, Turner’s Corner, Spenard Builders Supply and by the Patrick Buongiorne family. Tickets are available on ticketmaster and at www.thesprucetip.com.