Despite the slowing economy, the arena is expected to bring in new jobs to the region and generate about $10 million to $12 million in revenue from surrounding development to the city, said Mary Jane Olhasso, economic development director for the city.
"It will not be affected by the economy," Olhasso said. "There is such a crying need for entertainment in this area. We have no doubt events will sell out."
The venue - which will have its first ticket event Oct. 24 - will be home to the Ontario Reign, a minor league hockey team.
The $140 million arena is evidence of the city's effort to building a complete community, Olhasso said.
The 225,000-square-foot arena is on the northeast part of the city on the 4000 block of Ontario Parkway.
The street was created just for the arena and connects to Concourse Avenue, said David Simpson, development manager for the city.
There will be 30 full-time employees and 400 part-time people utilized for the events, said Steve Eckerson, general manager of Citizens Business Bank Arena.
AEG Facilities is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the industry and was brought on by the city to promote the 11,000-seat venue.
The idea for the project was introduced in the early 1990s, said Otto Kroutil,
There was a different plan for the arena, but the end result is "bigger and better and more functional," than the original conception, he said.
On Friday, AEG Facilities and city officials held a tour.
"In the last several months, the amount of change is exponential," Simpson said Friday.
From painting doors to testing the scoreboard, crews diligently worked on the finishing touches Friday afternoon.
At one point, there were 400 people working on the arena, said Simpson, who has been involved with the arena for the past four years.
"Most of the work being done now is software, the hardware is all in place," said Ted Hissam, public safety manager for the arena.
Simpson said they are about 90 percent complete with artwork, furniture for the suites and making the ice among the items still left.
Much planning has gone into the appearance of the arena with substantial input from city officials and the council, Simpson said.
During one occasion, planning crews spent 45 minutes discussing where cup holders in the suites should be, he said.
"Every detail has been thought out thoroughly," Hissam said.
On Oct. 18, the public is invited to the Open House Community Day, an opportunity to take self-guided tours and taste the food sold at concession stands. The event will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The first ticket event at Citizens Business Bank Arena will be an exhibition game between the Los Angeles Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 24.
Photo Gallery: Let's Tour the Arena in Ontario
Photo Gallery: Let's Tour the Arena in Ontario (Part 2)
WHERE IS IT?
Citizens Business Bank Arena
4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario
(909) 484-2020 or <a href="http://www.cbbankarena.com">www.cbbankarena.com</a>
BY THE NUMBERS
1,137 pieces of structural precast members
1.6 million pounds of rebar
5,000 cubic yards of precast concrete
1,820 tons of steel for the roof and trusses
13.5 miles of pipe in the ice floor system
12 224-foot trusses that span the arena
70,000 cubic yards of dirt excavated for the event level bowl
Source: AEG Facilities
