ONT Field hosts its inaugural event with Avett Brothers and Dwight Yoakam concert at new Inland Empire venue

ONTARIO, Calif. () — Fans filled the newly-built ONT Field on Saturday evening as the Inland Empire’s newest baseball and music venue hosted its first major event, giving the public an early look at the roughly 6,000seat stadium before baseball season begins.

The state-of-the-art entertainment and sports venue is home to the Ontario Tower Buzzers, the Dodgers’ SingleA minor league affiliate, and Saturday served as its first largescale test run. Concertgoers streamed through the gates for a lineup headlined by Grammynominated folk band The Avett Brothers, along with Grammy Awardwinning country artist Dwight Yoakam and the Iguanas.

“This city is growing, and it’s growing rapidly. We already have the airport, so this is just another step up for us. It’s great,” said Richie, who attended the concert.

Organizers say ONT Field is designed to be a one-stop shop for neighbors, offering more than just baseball.

“So you’ll get plenty of baseball action, but we’re also going to do community events, trade shows, concerts with acts of all kinds, so there’s going to be a lot to do here and for the community to come see here,” said Kelsie Woodward, the director of marketing and communications for Greater Ontario California.

The new stadium will have entrance to baseball games as low as $5 a ticket. Residents said they were looking forward — not only to the stadium’s debut concert — but to the events it will bring in the months ahead.

“Overall, it’s just a great community builder, right? It’s a great place for people to come in,” said Peggy Donica, an Avett Brothers fan from Ontario. “While we’ve been sitting here waiting, we’ve been here, some of us, since 6 o’clock this morning waiting in line, and so we’ve been watching neighbors come by walking their dogs, and just enjoying this community atmosphere, it’s really cool.”

The general manager for the Ontario Tower Buzzers says ONT Field is nearly complete and will be ready for the season opener on April 2.

SEE ALSO: Dodgers minor league field in Ontario will be ready for opening day, officials say