Today marked a proud moment for the City of Ontario, as city leaders, community members, and stakeholders gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ontario Sports Empire and minor league ballpark, which will serve as the future home of the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league affiliate. These dual projects are set to transform the region into a premier destination for sports and entertainment.

Mayor Paul Leon addressed the crowd, acknowledging the long journey to realize this vision. “Together, we took the vision of this complex and the dream of hosting a Major League Baseball affiliate and made it a reality,” Leon stated. "This will be the largest sports complex of its kind west of the Rockies."

The Ontario Sports Empire will feature an expansive 190-acre facility that includes 20 multi-purpose fields, 14 youth baseball/softball fields, eight full-size baseball/softball fields, and other amenities. “This complex is positioned to become the premier venue for major regional and national tournaments, elevating Ontario as a key sports destination in the United States,” Leon added.

Michael Kraus, CEO of GoCal, expressed the expected economic impact, projecting over $61 million in annual revenue and over 600 full-time jobs. "This site will see more than 1.2 million visitors yearly, with another half-million once the stadium is complete," said Kraus.

As the construction manager, Tilden-Coil is honored to play a vital role in bringing the Ontario Sports Empire and stadium project to life. “We are proud to contribute to a project that will have such a significant impact on the Ontario community,” commented Dayne Brassard, President and CEO of Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. “Our team is dedicated to delivering a facility that not only meets the vision of Ontario’s leaders but also serves as a state-of-the-art venue for sports fans, athletes, and the local economy.”

The ballpark, slated to open in 2026, will be the Dodgers’ closest minor league team to Los Angeles, providing local fans an exciting connection to the organization. Ron Cey, Dodgers legend and 1981 World Series champion, spoke on the importance of minor league development in fostering future major league talent. "This stadium will give players the opportunity to hone their skills against high competition, preparing them for success in the majors."

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial shovel toss, marking the beginning of construction. With anticipated completion in two years, the Ontario Sports Empire and ballpark promise to bring lasting benefits to the community, offering entertainment, economic growth, and civic pride for Ontario and the region. Tilden-Coil looks forward to collaborating with Populous, Inc., the project architect, to deliver a facility that stands as a landmark of excellence and a source of pride for the Ontario community.