ONTARIO, CA – On April 2, 2026, the Ontario Tower Buzzers officially cut the ribbon to launch their inaugural season in front of a sold-out crowd. Joined alongside Mayor Paul Leon and the Ontario City Council, the new Dodgers “Top Gun” inspired single-A-affiliate team opened up ONT Field, a 6,000-seat stadium located less than six miles from the ONT airport.
Although the game against the Lake Elsinore Storm was scheduled for 6:35 p.m., the day was filled with excitement as hundreds began to line up hours early for early access to the new “Buzz Shop” and the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Before the front gates opened, Mayor Leon, as well as several former Dodger legends such as Daryl Strawberry, Shawn Green, and many more, took the stage to celebrate this new landmark for both the city and the fans. The ceremony began with opening statements from UFC announcer and Inland Empire native Joe Martinez as he shared the personal significance of this new chapter of Ontario sports.
“And today folks, we do celebrate more than just the opening of a ballpark. We celebrate the arrival of a new home for baseball, the Inland Empire, a place where, like you are today, can bring your family out and create memories that will last not only yourselves, your children, your grandchildren for a lifetime. They will look back on just today and remember the moment they shared with you here in Ontario,” said Martinez to the public.
Following the opening ceremony, fans were greeted by the exciting sight of “The Bluez”, a custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air many fans may recognize after seeing rapper Ice Cube riding following the 2024 World Series. With many taking photos alongside the car, others explored the new $100 million complex filled with fun and comfortable areas for both adults and children. Notably, countless young fans were seen playing in the stadium’s own Wiffle Ball field located right outside the right-field corner.
With fans making their way throughout the stadium, the field was filled with back-to-back appearances to get the crowd going. After player introductions accompanied by a display of fireworks, singer/songwriter Nezza came to sing the national anthem in the same way that made several headlines throughout the league, fully in Spanish. With fans taking photos, children at play, and players slowly making their way throughout the dugout, the ceremonial first pitch was underway as Dodgers commentator Jaime Jarrin threw to Former Dodgers Pitcher Joe Kelly to start the season. Following a round of applause and a surprise performance from rapper B-Real, the buzzers took the field for the first time in franchise history, and the game was underway.
After a scoreless first inning, the Tower Buzzers struck first due to a 2nd inning home run from Brendan Tunik, but the Storm would quickly gain momentum after a five-run 3rd inning. Despite three additional scoreless innings, the crowd remained lively as several on-field activities, such as a dance-off against the Buzzers’ friendly bee mascot “Maverick”, filled the stands with laughs. Heading into the 7th inning and after two additional runs from the Storm, the Tower Buzzers would slowly gain momentum after another Brendan Tunick home run, cutting the lead to 7-2. As the Tower buzzers entered the final two innings, third baseman Chase Harlan kept their hopes alive in the 8th after hitting a RBI triple to bring in Emil Morales, but despite additional runs from Jaron Elkins and Emil Morales, the Tower Buzzers ended their first game with a 7-5 loss against the Storm.
Despite the loss, fans were treated to an on-field fireworks show officially concluding the Tower Buzzers’ inaugural game. Although the outcome of the game wasn’t ideal, it only marks the first step of a bright new future for both the team and the city, bringing a new atmosphere where fans and family can come together and watch America’s greatest pastime. Following the grand opening, the Tower Buzzers have since completed a 2-1 series win against the Storm and are currently competing in a six-game series against the San Jose Giants.
You can catch the Tower Buzzers for their next homestand on April 28 as they face the Storm once again.
