Monster trucks wow thousands in 'loud and exciting' show

Earmuffs were the headwear of choice at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon, as thousands packed in to catch some rip-roaring monster truck action.

The first of two Hot Wheels Monster Truck Dunedin shows is being held today, featuring sized-up versions of the children’s toy.

Another show will follow tomorrow.

Speaking during the intermission, TEG Sport promoter representative Nathan Brown said 15,400 people were in attendance and "the crowd is going off".

"We delivered a crash, with Bec from [the truck] Big Foot flipping over, but she's okay. The truck's a little banged up but we're ready to go for a big second half."

The trucks were as loud as ever, although the stadium’s covered roof did increase reverberation, Mr Brown said.

The show probably set a record for the highest use of the sensory room — a space for children to take a break from the noise.

Kit, 3, and Mila Sparrow, 6, both of Dunedin, thought the monster truck doughnut competition, where the crash happened, was the best part so far.

Big Foot rolled onto its roof, which came off. 

Driver Rebecca Schnell drove on after the truck was righted by an excavator.

Mum Kenzie Sparrow said the children had been looking forward to the show for a long time. 

She thought Kit's upcoming birthday party theme may need to be changed to match his monster truck obsession.

Freddie Slipper, 2, was the proud owner of a new Tiger Shark toy, a mini version of the truck roaring around the stadium.

His granddad Scott Klenner said the show was great "and loud and exciting".

"[It's] not the first intention with the stadium, I'm sure, but it's great to see," he said.

"And so many people, it's chocka."