GOCAL is rapidly becoming a favored destination for meetings and events. Known for its unique blend of big-city sophistication and hometown hospitality, GOCAL offers a gateway to the best of Southern California.
With major interstates intersecting here, along with proximity to Ontario International Airport and various commuter rail options, access is exceptionally easy. During their downtime, your event attendees can explore the GOCAL region’s world-class shopping, live entertainment, and culturally diverse dining options. For those looking to extend their stay, they can venture out to nearby mountains, beaches, deserts, or iconic Southern California attractions, all less than an hour away in any direction.
As GOCAL’s meetings landscape expands, three major developments are setting the stage for an innovative and dynamic future in event hosting.
Ontario Convention Center
The cornerstone of GOCAL’s event-hosting capabilities, the Ontario Convention Center, is slated for a significant expansion. This project will add 247,000 square feet of exhibit, meeting, and ballroom space to its current 222,560 square feet, nearly doubling its capacity. The expansion will also include improved pedestrian access and more parking facilities.
Another major highlight is the upcoming 673,000-square-foot convention hotel—featuring over 600 rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and three signature restaurants—slated to open in winter 2027. This addition is expected to generate an estimated 35,000 convention-related room bookings annually, making it an ideal venue for large-scale national and international conventions.
Ontario Sports Empire
Scheduled to open in spring 2026, the Ontario Sports Empire will be a game-changer for sports-related events. This 200-acre complex will be the largest of its kind west of the Rocky Mountains, featuring facilities like 20 long fields, 14 youth diamond fields, eight full-size diamonds, four football/rugby fields, and two championship diamond fields.
Just a 10-minute drive from the Ontario Convention Center, the 6,500-capacity stadium is perfectly positioned to draw sports teams and fans from across the nation. It’s also the future home of the Los Angeles Dodgers Single-A Minor League Baseball team, expected to attract 1.2 million visitors annually and create 610 full-time jobs.
New Entertainment District
GOCAL’s new Entertainment District, centered around the 11,000-seat Toyota Arena, is evolving into a dynamic hub for meeting planners and their attendees. With the ongoing expansion, this area will soon feature 70,000 square feet of new commercial space, offering meeting-goers convenient access to dining, shopping, and entertainment, all in one centralized location.
The development will occur in two phases: Phase 1, which broke ground this year, will include 80,000 square feet of public open space and 51,000 square feet of commercial space featuring a pedestrian-friendly plaza. Phase 2 will introduce a 60,000-square-foot performing arts theatre and a luxury hotel, creating additional opportunities for post-event networking and entertainment. This expansion ensures a well-rounded experience for meeting planners and attendees alike, enhancing the region’s appeal as a premier event destination.
These developments are not just expanding GOCAL’s physical infrastructure, but are also enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for diverse and dynamic events. Whether you’re planning a large convention, a sports tournament, or a cultural gathering, GOCAL’s evolving venues offer cutting-edge facilities and a welcoming environment for all attendees.