SALT LAKE CITY -- Superhero fans across the state are celebrating the arrival of Marvel Universe Live in Salt Lake City.
The show started Thursday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena and runs through Sunday, but earlier this week some super fans got the chance to meet the cast and show off their own costumes.
Children showed up in their best costumes to meet all of their favorite Marvel characters.
“You forget how excited all these kids get, and people come to the show dressed up too, but seeing how psyched they are and pumped they are to be superheroes themselves is always so fun,” said Amani Velma, who plays the role of Storm.
From an inflatable obstacle course, to Hulk's box punch, these kids had a chance to show off their superhero strength. The characters aren't just there for fun and games, they have the superhero power to make anyone smile.
“We’re not with the Marvel Universe Live, but they invited us to come, they helped, they gave us a lot of tickets so that we could bring some kids that are terminally ill and their families to come and watch the show,” said Glen Phipps of the Kids Heroes Foundation.
Superheroes said events like these are what makes the job special.
“It’s kind of the most important part of what we do, because, you know, for us it's a show, we get used to it,” Velma said. “But, it’s always a different community that we’re getting to be a part of, and it’s just really cool to get involved.”
And while it was a costume competition, the kids showed off their superhero abilities to be good sports as they cheered their competition on.
Parker Copp took the first place prize with his “Star Lord” costume.
“I was really excited,” he said, but added the best part was: “Just kind of running around and playing with the other superheroes.”
Velma said it’s an event that lets kids have fun.
“I feel like it gives kids an excuse to wear what they’re probably wearing at home, what their parents probably won't let them wear to school” Velma said.
There are two more Marvel Universe Live performances set for Sunday. Ticket information is available here.
If you want to learn more about celebrating Utah’s own local heroes at the Kids Heroes Foundation, click here.
