Sports Business
Legendary NBA Announcer and ‘Voice of the Clippers ’Takes Over the MIC For Auto Club 400 Driver Intros
~ Hall of Famer Ralph Lawler once served as announcer at Riverside International Raceway ~
Fontana, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2019) – Broadcasting icon Ralph Lawler, who was the first voice of Riverside International Raceway and is now the voice of the LA Clippers, will add yet another milestone to his lengthy resume – serving as announcer for Driver Introductions at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway on March 17.
Swapping his lineup card from the Clippers’ Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley to NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr., Lawler steps in to help Auto Club Speedway celebrate the foundation of motorsports today – short tracks including Riverside – as he brings his talents to take part in one of the race weekend highlights – announcing the starting field during pre-race festivities.
Lawler served as the announcer for Riverside International Raceway, the sprawling road course that occupied much of what is now the western edge of Moreno Valley Riverside, beginning in 1964. In addition to racing, Lawler broadcast local sports, including three straight state championship seasons for Riverside City College teams.
“It has been a long time between NASCAR races for me, but my broadcast roots were born announcing NASCAR races at the Riverside international Raceway,” said Lawler. “Richard Petty, David Pearson, Joe Weatherly, Ned Jarrett and Jr. Johnson would lead the field in two races a year around the winding 2.7 mile left and right turn road course. Those were 10 memorable years in my life in the 1960s, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Auto Club 400.”
Lawler, who announced his plan to retire following the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, has captivated fans across the sports world, creating a legacy that will last far beyond his final season. Known for his Lawler-isms such as ‘Bingo!’, ‘Oh Me, Oh My!’, and ‘The Lob! The Jam!’ his commitment to his craft has been recognized with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Emmys, a Telly Award and inductions into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the California Sports Hall of Fame. He was named a recipient of the Naismith
Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award this season. Additionally, he has been honored with the Television Play-by-Play Award by the SCSB and the California Sportscaster of the Year honor by the National Sports Media Association. “The ‘Voice of the Clippers’ is one of the league’s longest tenured broadcasters.
His resume also includes broadcasting events as varied as A.B.A. and college basketball, golf, tennis, track & field, pro box lacrosse, auto racing, boxing and college football. Ralph is a graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and was inducted into his alma mater’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. He’s another in a long line of sportscasters who honed their craft in Peoria including Chick Hearn, Tom Kelly, Bob Starr, Bill King and Jack Brickhouse, among others.
To experience NASCAR and Lawler’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 Driver Introductions, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223), shop online www.autoclubspeedway.com, or stop by the Auto Club Speedway ticket office at 9300 Cherry Ave. in Fontana. Tickets start at $45.00. Ticket prices go up on March 3.
About Auto Club Speedway
Located 50 miles east of Los Angeles in Fontana, Auto Club Speedway is California’s premier motorsports facility, hosting over 320 days of track activity each year including the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 weekend – March 15-17, 2019. The two-mile D-shaped oval is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit. The Speedway is also home to numerous movie, television and commercial productions, photo shoots, new car testing, club racing and a variety of racing schools. For more information on events at Auto Club Speedway call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com
Sports Business
Ontario Tower Buzzers and IE Chamber to Host Exclusive VIP Reception at New ONT Field
Business and community leaders invited to experience state-of-the-art stadium and celebrate new regional partnership
A new era of sports, entertainment, and economic opportunity is taking shape in the Inland Empire.
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC), in partnership with the Ontario Tower Buzzers, will host an exclusive VIP Reception & Stadium Showcase on April 8 at the team’s newly unveiled home, ONT Field.
The event marks the Tower Buzzers’ official membership with the Chamber and offers business and community leaders a first-hand look at one of the region’s most anticipated new developments.
As the newest affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Ontario Tower Buzzers bring a powerful combination of professional sports, entertainment, and economic impact to the City of Ontario and the broader Inland Empire.
A First Look Inside ONT Field
Attendees will enjoy exclusive access to ONT Field, a modern, fan-focused stadium designed to elevate the minor league experience while serving as a premier venue for community engagement and regional events.

The evening will feature guided behind-the-scenes tours, highlighting premium areas, hospitality spaces, and the stadium’s innovative design—offering a unique perspective on a project that is expected to drive both visitation and investment in the area.
Celebrating Partnership and Regional Growth
“This is exactly the kind of partnership that reflects where the Inland Empire is headed,” said Edward Ornelas Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Ontario Tower Buzzers represent more than a new team—they represent momentum, investment, and a new level of opportunity for our region. We’re proud to welcome them as members and to showcase this incredible facility to our business community.”
The VIP Reception underscores IERCC’s role as a connector—bringing together business, government, and emerging industries to support strategic growth across the Inland Empire.
Where Business, Sports, and Community Converge
With the addition of the Tower Buzzers and ONT Field, Ontario continues to strengthen its position as a destination for sports, entertainment, and economic development.
The event is expected to draw a curated audience of executives, stakeholders, and community leaders—further reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to providing high-level access and meaningful opportunities for its members.
Sports Business
Fontana’s Raymond Muratalla Defends IBF World Title in Las Vegas
Sponsored by Lluvia, the undefeated champion earns unanimous decision victory with guidance from Robert Garcia
Premium alkaline water brand Lluvia proudly stood behind Raymond Muratalla this past weekend as the Fontana, California native successfully defended his IBF World Lightweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Cruz in Las Vegas.

Muratalla delivered a composed and technically sound performance, controlling the pace of the fight and earning a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards. The win further solidifies his position among boxing’s elite lightweights and marks another defining moment in his championship run.
Lluvia, a premium 9+ pH alkaline water brand inspired by rain and engineered for modern hydration, served as an official sponsor of Muratalla for the bout. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparation, performance, and intentional excellence—qualities Muratalla continues to display inside the ring.
Guiding Muratalla’s success is renowned trainer Robert Garcia, recently named Trainer of the Year by Ring Magazine. Garcia’s championship pedigree and strategic leadership were evident throughout the fight, reinforcing the strength of a team built for sustained success at the highest level of the sport.
Beyond the victory itself, Muratalla’s rise continues to resonate with his hometown of Fontana, where he has become a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes. His disciplined approach, humility, and dedication to craft have helped establish him not only as a world champion, but as a respected representative of his community.
Lluvia’s sponsorship underscores the brand’s growing presence in elite athletics and performance-driven environments. Packaged in plastic-free aluminum cans and protected by advanced can technology, Lluvia is designed to help preserve water quality, taste, and pH stability—delivering clean, elevated hydration for athletes and active lifestyles.
As Muratalla continues to build his legacy as IBF World Lightweight Champion, Lluvia looks forward to supporting the journey ahead—both in and out of the ring.
Sports Business
City of Ontario Announces “Ontario Sports Empire” as Name for Largest Multi-Use Sports Complex on West Coast
The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies and Greater Ontario CVB scheduled to open 190-acre facility in fall 2026
The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced the official name of their groundbreaking multi-use sports complex: The Ontario Sports Empire. Set to open in fall 2026, the complex is positioned to become the premier venue for major regional and national tournaments, elevating Ontario as a key sports destination in the United States.
With 190 acres of top-tier athletic facilities, including 20 long fields, 14 youth diamond fields, eight full-size diamonds, four football/rugby fields and two championship baseball fields, the Ontario Sports Empire will be the largest sports complex of its kind west of the Rocky Mountains.
“The Ontario Sports Empire will bring new jobs, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our local businesses,” said Paul Leon, Mayor of Ontario. “This project represents a key part of Ontario’s future as a regional hub for commerce, recreation, and culture.”
“This complex is not just another sports facility; it’s a national destination for elite competitions and youth development. It will also be home for the community to host events and celebrations,” said SFC Partner and National Director of Business Development Jim Arnold. “We’re excited to work alongside city leaders and industry experts to create a venue that will elevate Ontario’s profile on the sports tourism map and serve the community for years to come.”
Located just 10 minutes from Ontario International Airport, the Ontario Sports Empire is designed to draw teams from across the country. The city already boasts 6,000 hotel rooms and numerous entertainment options, making it an ideal location for visiting teams, athletes, and fans.
“This venue will position Ontario as a must-visit city for major sporting events. It’s an exciting development that will put Ontario on the national stage, driving significant growth in both sports tourism and local economic impact,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL (Greater Ontario California) and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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