Ontario Tower Buzzers gear up for debut at new ONT Field

ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- Excitement is building Thursday for the debut of the Ontario Tower Buzzers as the city's new Single-A minor league baseball team prepares to open its inaugural season at ONT Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the aviation-themed stadium in Ontario, where groundskeepers spent the day preparing the field for opening night.

"On a scale from 1 to 10 it's 100 right," said Allan Benavides, general manager of the Ontario Tower Buzzers. "We've all been yearning for this day. Now that it's finally here, there's a lot of nerves. Did we plan everything? Is the music right? The promotions? The giveaways? But just so excited to open this gorgeous stadium."

The team is affiliated with the Dodgers and features prospects beginning their professional baseball careers. Benavides said the response from the community has exceeded expectations.

"I have never seen so much excitement for a minor league team like I've seen here in Ontario," he said. "Ontario has stepped up! They have shown up. We have crazy ticket sales, crazy merch sales."

Benavides said the organization is focused on honoring the team's connection to the Dodgers while creating a welcoming experience for fans.

"To see that future Dodger stars are playing right here in Ontario is really special," he said. "We honor that making sure we take care of the players and do the right promotions, and making sure all fans have a good time."

Manager John Shoemaker said the players understand the opportunity ahead of them.

"Baseball is not an easy sport and sometimes the lifeline of a minor leaguer isn't that long, and somehow, you have to separate yourself from the others if you're going to get to Dodger Stadium," Shoemaker said.

The Tower Buzzers are set to debut in front of a sold-out crowd, with more than 6,500 fans expected to pack ONT Field. The stadium pays tribute to the Dodgers with a scoreboard designed to resemble the one at Dodger Stadium and includes a mural of pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.

"One of the greatest features I think at the stadium is just the integration of the local culture and the local industries," said Casey Hagen, senior associate architect with Populous. "We have so much aviation theme in Ontario. Just as one of bigger airports in California."

For fans unable to attend opening night, tickets for future games start at $5.