Monster Jam Freestyle Mania Is Heading to Tampa This August — Here's Everything You Need to Know

Tampa Bay's summer entertainment lineup just got a major addition. A brand-new event format from Monster Jam is making its Tampa debut this August, combining the massive truck competition fans know with a motorsports discipline that's never been part of the show before.

Monster Jam Freestyle Mania is scheduled for four shows at Benchmark International Arena from August 14 through August 16, 2026. Tickets went on sale May 19.

A New Kind of Monster Jam Experience

What sets this event apart from traditional Monster Jam shows is the pairing of the iconic 12,000-pound trucks with Freestyle Motocross riders, known in the sport as FMX. Rather than competing separately, truck drivers and FMX riders are grouped into eight teams that compete together across five different disciplines. Monster Jam trucks compete in racing, two-wheel skills, and freestyle rounds, while the FMX component introduces best whip and best trick competitions — two categories that have never been part of the Monster Jam format until now.

Fans also play an active role in the competition. Attendees score the athletes in real time during events, directly influencing which team takes the event championship. It's a participatory element that adds a layer of energy to what is already a loud and chaotic live experience.

Fan-Favorite Trucks and a Family Rivalry

The truck lineup includes some of the most recognizable names in Monster Jam history. Grave Digger, celebrating its legendary status in the sport, will be driven by Krysten Anderson. El Toro Loco, which is marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, will be behind the wheel with Armando Castro. Sparkle Smash rounds out some of the featured entries, with Kayla Blood at the controls.

One storyline that's already generating buzz involves siblings Brandan and Mikayla Tulachka, who will be competing against each other on rival teams — Zombie and Megalodon, respectively. Two additional truck and rider teams are still to be announced.

Each team's FMX bike is designed to match the visual identity of its paired monster truck, giving the competition a cohesive look that blends both motorsports disciplines into one unified show.

Pit Party Access on the Weekend

For families looking to make a full day of it, the Monster Jam Pit Party is available on both Saturday and Sunday before the main events. The pit party gives attendees access to the trucks and bikes up close, opportunities for photos and autographs with drivers and riders, and a look at the mechanics and engineering behind these machines.

Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. Advance parking passes can be purchased through ParkWhiz. For seat selection, event details, and the full schedule, visit MonsterJam.com or BenchmarkIntlArena.com, or call the box office at 813.301.2500.

Source: Benchmark International Arena / BenchmarkIntlArena.com