By james art 
Dodgers fans go wild, celebrate in Los Angeles after a win
Los Angeles saw peaceful celebrations and some unruly crowds after the Dodgers’ World Series victory.
The week the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, Ontario city leaders broke ground on a new sports complex that will host the organization’s minor league club.
The City of Ontario, sports facilities companies and Greater Ontario California have launched the new Ontario Sports Empire, named the best sports and recreation destination in the Inland Empire.
The project will be located south of Interstate 60, between Ontario and Vineyard avenues in San Bernardino County.
Dodgers Class-A franchise stadium
Ground was broken Monday, Oct. 28, for the 190-acre state-of-the-art sports complex, which will include a professional baseball stadium that will serve as the home of the Dodgers’ new Class-A franchise.
The Quakes, the Dodgers’ Single-A Minor League team, currently play at LoanMart Field at 8408 Rochester Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga.
In 2025, the team’s contract with Rancho Cucamonga will expire and the team will move to the new 8,000-seat Ontario Sports Empire baseball stadium in 2026.
Meanwhile, Ontario Professional Baseball LLC. President Brent Miles and his team announced that they are inviting the community to help name the newest addition to Ontario’s sports scene.
Those interested can submit their team name ideas to the organization online at ontarioprofessionalbaseball.com. Nominations will be open until Friday 8 November.
Ontario’s sports empire
The new property will include 20 multi-purpose fields, 14 youth baseball/softball fields, eight full-size baseball/softball fields, four soccer/rugby fields and two championship baseball fields.
Ontario Sports Empire will be the largest multi-use sports and entertainment complex of its kind west of the Rockies, according to the city.
“We are thrilled to mark the start of construction on what will be the best and most sought-after sports and recreation facility anywhere in our region,” said Ontario Mayor Paul Leon. “This wonderful new public asset is something that all of Ontario will be able to enjoy while bringing new jobs, revenue and business opportunities to our great city.”
GOCAL President Michael Cruz said the Ontario Sports Empire will build on Greater Ontario’s emergence as a sports and entertainment hub.
The market study indicates that when fully operational, the project will attract 1.2 million visitors each year, generate $70 million in annual economic impact and support nearly 700 jobs.
Sports Facilities Companies CEO Jason Clement said the state-of-the-art amenities promised at Ontario Sports Empire will provide first-class experiences for athletes, their families and visitors alike.
“This complex is not just another sports facility. It is a national destination for elite competition and youth development. It will also be a place for the community to host events and celebrations,” Clement said. “We are excited to work alongside city leaders and industry experts to create a venue that will raise Ontario’s profile on the sports tourism map and serve the community for years to come.”
Among the speakers at Monday’s first pitch was Ron Say, co-MVP of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 1981 World Series.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz