The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks show will be at Forsyth Barr Stadium this weekend and like any big show a lot goes into the preparation.
Based on the world’s best-selling toy, the show will feature life-size versions of Hot Wheels items along with a full production of lighting rigs and 14 shipping containers of show gear.
The trucks will perform shows in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland before heading on to Rotterdam for the 2026 European tour.
Set to be played out in a stadium more well known for the oval ball, the grass has to be protected.
A $500,000 track is set to be laid in the stadium.
The track build will start at 4pm today — to minimise the time it sits on the turf — and will take 11 hours and 750 tonnes of dirt.
There will be seven machines and 28 people putting the track together.
To protect the surface there would be 2800 pieces of ply and a kilometre of geo fabric laid on it.
The thrashing motor shows are scheduled for 4pm, Saturday and 3pm, Sunday.
The Saturday show is nearly sold out while the Sunday show still has tickets left.
Tickets sales for Dunedin have exceeded predictions and the debut New Zealand tour has already smashed expectations, with more than 110,000 fans anticipated across five stadium performances.
Shows are also set for Eden Park in Auckland and Sky Stadium in Wellington.
TEG Sports managing director Rachael Carroll said the demand had been overwhelming.
"It was not often you get grandparents, parents and kids all on the edge of their seats at the same time — that kind of shared buzz is pretty special."
Dunedin Venues chief executive Paul Doorn said the shows were a brilliant opportunity to showcase the stadium and to display why the venue was so special for major events like Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.
Families were coming from all over the region and beyond for these shows, he said.
"We can’t wait to welcome everyone here for what promises to be a truly thrilling family event.
"The roar of the engines, the spectacular stunts, and the incredible atmosphere will make this an unforgettable experience for all ages."
