20,000 roll up in Riyadh as the circus comes to town
RIYADH: More than 20,000 spectators enjoyed action-sports entertainment at the King Fahad International Stadium in Riyadh at the weekend — including, for the first time, families.
“I loved the show. My family enjoyed every minute,” said Ahmed, who attended the second day of the show on Saturday.
“This is the first time I have brought my family to the stadium. I’m thrilled to have such quality time together as a family. I even brought my six-month-old daughter.”
The shows were staged by the Nitro Circus, a team who perform base jumps and other skilful and risky stunts on motorcycles, dirt bikes, skateboards and a variety of other equipment, all to a background of music and flames. Their performances have featured on MTV and in a 3-D movie.
Riyadh was their second venue in the region. “Dubai was the closest we have been to this area,” said Travis Pastrana, the Nitro Circus leader.
Bruce Robson, the group’s master of ceremonies, hoped the team could perform again in different parts of Saudi Arabia.
“Hopefully we can get invited back. Hopefully we haven’t upset many people and they like us so we can come back again.”
Robson described the audience as sensational, and said he was impressed by their enthusiasm.
“This the first time women were allowed to come to such a show. We had our concerns and thought we would have to be kind of quiet so as not to offend the ladies, but it has been the complete opposite,” he said.
“You could see ladies just screaming and cheering and all of our team have just been blown away by it. They have just been impressed by the reception and the enthusiasm.”
Obada Awad, executive director at Time Entertainment, promised the Saudi audience more events before the year ends.
“We have big things still to come in 2017. So stay tuned. In one and a half months, grand things will happen,” he said.
The family section included children who were given free tickets.
Ticket prices started at SR50 ($13), and people with special needs were given free seats to enjoy the show. “The General Sports Authority announced the new prices, including the free tickets for people with special needs,” said Awad.