Excitements and Concerns over the new ONT Field
by Samantha Sandoval
The new Ontario Sports Empire is set to have an opening event by March 2026 and many concerns are arising within the community. Citizens are worried for future of this 200-acre project and its effect on the surrounding area and businesses.
According to the Ontario Sports Empire official website, this $100 million complex will not only contain the ONT Field stadium, home to the Single-A Dodger affiliate team “Ontario Town Buzzers,” but also 20 long fields, 14 youth diamond fields, eight full-size diamonds, four football/rugby fields and two championship diamond fields.
Located on East Riverside Drive and Archibald Ave at 9375 E. Riverside Dr., the traffic along this street has caused problems for anyone passing through. Because of the congestion, community members contend with road closure and tight spaces resulting in street blockage.
One local who lives on the street who wishes to remain anonymous said, “There has been an increase in traffic and I worry that it will become worse once the park is officially completed.” She also went on to say that she has witnessed minor vehicle accidents because of the tight spaces from lane closures, which makes it hard for vehicles to turn on Riverside and South Vineyard Ave.
She fears that the area might become more populated, causing a rise in prices with nearby businesses. She said, “With the success of the ballpark, my main concern would be the large amounts of traffic, especially since the 60 freeway is just around the corner.”
On the other hand, this new sports empire may allow for new businesses to open up from more visitors in the community. Just across the street from the new infrastructure is a mini plaza, containing a 7-11 and many vacant shops. With the new park, many hope new opportunities arise from the opening of the ballpark.
According to the City of Ontario Economic Development website, one of the main plans the city has for the Ontario Sports Empire is to create a hotel. This includes city indoor athletic facilities, a community recreation center and activity center all in the same location.
Just down the road from current construction is one of Ontario’s recreation centers, the Westwind Community Center. This community center holds youth and adult recreational sports along with many community activities and events. However, will building the new Ontario Sports Empire take away amenities from the Westwind Community Center, or will the resources be relocated to the sports empire?
City of Ontario Recreation/Community Services Director, Jason Lass said, “At this time, no changes are anticipated for Westwind Park or its facilities. However, as South Ontario continues to grow, the need for additional infrastructure and resources is already evident … This growth challenges City leadership and policymakers to plan carefully for both current and future needs.”
Lass also said that the Ontario Sports Empire will, “help the city meet the increasing demand for local and travel sports while also allowing flexibility should other city properties, including parks, need to be reconfigured or repurposed to keep up with demand in future years. This is an important step in keeping pace with the evolving infrastructure needs of a growing community. The overall goal is not to take away from existing recreation opportunities, but to expand and enhance services for all residents.”
Construction of this area is soon to be completed in the beginning of the following year. The grand opening of the field will be in the fall of 2026, where each facility will be open for the public.