Every year, the circus comes to town. And each year, there are new twists and turns in the show’s attractions.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns with its latest presentation, “Over the Top,” from Aug. 6 through Aug. 10 at the San Diego Sports Arena.
This is the 138th edition of the “Greatest Show on Earth.”
The storyline revolves around ringmaster Chuck Wagner and lead clown eccentric Tom Dougherty vying for control over a tophat and having a silly circus as opposed to a more traditional circus.
Circus officials said the storyline will present the audience with an array of tricks and treats.
This year, new acts include the “bombastic bouncers.”
“They bounce on what looks like big airplane tires, holding on with only their legs, doing flips and bouncing all over the arena, leaving every person in the audience saying ‘I want to do that,'” said Andy Perez, a spokesman for Ringling Bros. “It is phenomenal.”
Also new this year are the seven motorcyclists who will be riding at 65 miles per hour in a 16-foot steel globe, leaving circusgoers with their hearts stuck in their throats, Perez said.
“We’ve got all the great laughs, thrills and chills and amazing animals,” said Perez.
The show will also feature the debut of Percy the Porcupine, in company with seven Asian elephants, horses, dogs and other four-legged stars.
An hour before showtime, ticket holders have the opportunity to interact with the performers and see the animals up close at the All Access Pre-show on the arena floor. The interaction is included in admission.
“It’s a cool way to introduce smaller kids to the show, letting them explore it on their own terms and kind of be part of the show,” said Perez.
“It’s a fun way for parents and kids to create some memories in a way that going to the movies would never allow you,” he added.
Showtimes are:
“¢ Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m.;
“¢ Thursday, Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m.;
“¢ Friday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.;
“¢ Saturday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.;
“¢ Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are $82.50 for Circus Celebrity seating, $52.50 for front-row seating, $42.50 for VIP seating, and $22.50/$16.50 for regular seating.
To order tickets by phone, call (619) 220-TIXS. For group sales, call (619) 308-4311. For more information, visit www.ringling-.com.