Latinos and Rappers perform in Ontario arena

Rappers and Latino performers at Ontario arena
Liset Márquez, Staff Writer 01/23/2009

ONTARIO - Citizens Business Bank Arena will be mixing up its musical lineup in the next couple of months to include rappers and Latino performers.

Rapper Pitbull and hip hop artist Baby Bash on March 24 will perform at the arena.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this morning.

The concert will provide a couple of firsts for the arena. The show will be the first time that the arena will host performers outside of the country and rock genres as well as multiple acts in one night

The Hollywood Live promoted concert will be called "March Madness" and will also feature performances by E-40, MC Magic and Lala, arena spokeswomen Sue Oxarart said.

"We anticipate it to be a popular show and for it to sell out," Oxarart said.

To date, the arena has had success with several of its concerts. Performances by pop singer Carrie Underwood and heavy metal band Metallica sold out, Oxarart said.

"So far we've received a great response," Oxarart said. "This type of entertainment venue in the Inland Empire is something we've all needed for a long time," Oxarart said.

The city-owned, 225,000-square-foot arena in the 4000 block of Ontario Parkway can hold up to 11,000 seats, depending on how a stage is set up, she said.

Oxarart said the arena will be bringing in more acts to attract different audiences.

Earlier this month, arena officials took notice when San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland held a sold-out show featuring Mexican recording artist Jenny Rivera.

Oxarart said the arena is working to host two different shows in the near future with a well-known Latin performer and a variety of Latino acts. Additional details were not provided.

In the next year, arena officials will look to put on more shows to draw in the Latino community such as boxing and rodeos, she said.

"It's not only us. The promoters and agents know its a great site and are contacting us," Oxarart said. "We're on their radar too."

liset.marquez@inlandnewspapers.com (909) 483-8556