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Nitro Circus brings high-flying stunts to Rio Rancho Events Center
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This circus doesn’t have a big striped tent or any lions, instead it dazzles with dizzying heights, pyrotechnics and lots of stunts.
“Nitro Circus is bringing together the best parts of all action sports into one show that everyone can be a part of,” Christian Arehart, one of the athletes performing in the show, said.
The Rio Rancho Events Center will be transformed with ramps, fire and more, setting the stage for the live-event stunt show on Saturday, Nov. 29. Nitro Circus features athletes riding BMX bikes, skateboards and even wheeled animal figures.
Arehart has wanted to be in the show since he was 10 years old and got his chance a few years ago. He was mentored by Travis Pastrana, who co-founded Nitro Circus in 2003.
Arehart said it was his passion for riding that drove him to improve and eventually led to his invitation to Nitro Circus.
“It’s just doing it for that little kid that once dreamed of being on the big show,” Arehart said.
Arehart made history by being the first person to land a quad-backflip on a mountain bike, one trick he now works into shows, alongside others.
He said that transitioning from riding BMX for himself to doing it for the show has given him a greater purpose in the sport.
“Now you can inspire that next generation, and see the kids that were in my shoes, just a few years ago, and kind of that spark in their mind,” Arehart said, “and I’m just living proof that it is possible for them.”
Arehart said performing stunts and hurtling through the air requires mental training, but prayer and the crowd help him overcome the nerves.
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“We feed off the energy of the crowd,” Arehart said. “So if I’m going into a show, and I’m nervous, as soon as we get out there (and) the lights come on, all the nerves go away.”
Arehart said Nitro Circus appeals to people for different reasons.
“Whether you’re a kid wanting to watch the person you look up to or a fan that’s seen this for years, or even just an excuse to get out of the house.”
For Arehart, crowd interactions and overall experience are what set Nitro Circus apart from other BMX shows. The athletes will stay late to sign autographs and talk to people, Arehart said.
“You can’t really see this kind of show anywhere else.”
