arena | timeline

From the ground up
Key events in the development of Citizens Business Bank Arena

By LUANNE J. HUNT

1994: Discussions begin on the need for a sports facility in Ontario. City officials envision an arena similar to what was then the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, but on a smaller scale. After considering size and location, they begin searching for the ideal piece of property.

August 1998: Ontario acquires the land for a sports and entertainment venue that would host hockey and basketball games, concerts and a variety of community activities and shows. Most of the funds to purchase the land come from the sale of 193 acres the city purchased for $2 per square foot from the Lewis Group of Companies and Sares-Regis Group.

October 2000: Negotiations to build an arena commence between the city and a minor league hockey team owner who wants to take on the project. The architectural firm of Rossetti Associates is consulted and hired to draw up schematic plans. Shortly thereafter, the deal falls through, and Ontario officials decide to build the arena themselves.

November 2005: Ontario brings Rossetti Associates under contract to design the arena, with John Truong appointed lead designer. City officials review the schematic plans and decide to move forward with the original design of an 11,000-seat arena with the capability of being configured for various types of events. The same month, one of the country’s leading entertainment management firms, AEG, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, is brought under contract to operate the arena.

Steve Eckerson is appointed general manager.

October 2006: Turner Construction Co. signs a contract with Ontario to provide construction management services for the arena project. The city and Turner Vice President Kevin Dow begin accepting bids from contractors for every aspect of the project — framing, drywall, electrical, landscaping, etc. Once the bids are submitted, 52 contractors are brought under contract, and Dow begins scheduling each phase of the project.

March through April 2007: Construction begins with a groundbreaking ceremony at the arena site, between Haven and Milliken avenues just north of Interstate 10 in Ontario.

Bulldozers move 70,000 cubic yards of earth in order for the foundation to be laid.

May 2007 through January 2008: After mass excavations, contractors begin installation of precast structural steel pieces in preparation for the erection of a dozen 224-foot steel roof trusses.

January through August 2008: Steel roof trusses, as well as finishing work, begins with drywall, painting, plumbing, heating and cooling, concrete and a fire- protection system. Installation of the ice floor, which requires 13.5 miles of pipe, is also completed. The west end of the building is left open so cranes have access, and the stadium seating is installed.

July through August 2008: Construction of the west end commences.

Since it was left completely open during earlier construction phases, it had to be built from the ground up. Contractors must work quickly to finish in time for the arena’s opening in mid-October.

October 2008: Arena construction is complete and is marked by a free community day on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Residents are invited to the complex to explore and get a sneak peek at the new entertainment icon of the Inland Empire. The event features live music, displays and concessions. Patrons also learn more about upcoming shows, how to buy tickets, how to rent a party suite and where to find the box office.

Sources: City of Ontario, Turner Construction Co., Rossetti Associates, AEG