Monster trucks coming to Show Me Center this weekend

Sometimes, the Show Me Center just wants to play in the dirt. This Friday and Saturday, the dirt will fly and the walls will shake as the Monster Truck Winter Nationals and Bad Boy Arenacross Racing comes to Cape Girardeau.

Checkered Flag Productions, promoters of the event, say they are excited about their return to the Show Me Center.

"We've got some of the best trucks and drivers coming to Cape Girardeau, and one feature we're especially proud of is the return of Bigfoot to Cape," said Zane Rettew, coordinator with Checkered Flag. "This truck is a St. Louis native and a fan favorite, and along with our other outstanding trucks is sure to put on a great show."

In addition to Bigfoot, the event will feature Razin Kane from Florida, Storm Damage from Virginia and Incinerator from Michigan.

But the show isn't all about the monster trucks. Checkered Flag also brings in some of the nation's top arenacross pro riders for their bike events, as well as offering a competition for local riders.

"We've had about 35 or 40 riders register so far for the local competition, and there are sure to be some that show up that night to register," Rettew said.

The local competition features riders of all ages. "My son and I rode in the event a few years back, and it was really exciting," said Chris Hutson of Cape Girardeau. "I know it takes a lot of work to get all that dirt in there and make a solid track, and they did a great job. "

Tickets are available at the Show Me Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster outlets and online. Tickets are $20 for adult VIP or $15 for Super Value tickets, and children's (age 2 to 12) tickets are $15 for VIP and $7 for Super Value. VIP tickets allow you to go on the floor before the races to check out the trucks and meet the drivers for photos and autographs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. both nights, with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.