Birdair Reaches New Heights of Performance and Design at Ontario Sports Empire Complex
New state-of-the-art sports complex to feature 59 Birdair tensile membrane canopy structures
Birdair, Inc., the world’s leading specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures for nearly 70 years, has been awarded a contract to design and install 59 tensile membrane canopy structures at the new Ontario Sports Empire Complex in Ontario, California. This project will enhance one of the largest and most anticipated sports and recreation destinations in the western United States.
The sports complex includes 150,000-square-feet of tensile fabric shade. It will feature 56 sports canopies, including 36 soccer field covers, 18 small baseball canopies and two larger baseball canopy structures, all made with Birdair’s durable PTFE-coated fiberglass mesh fabric. In addition, Birdair is creating two family gathering canopies with solid PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric and a stage tension membrane canopy for events.
Birdair’s structures will provide essential shade and architectural focal points throughout the complex, contributing to the comfort and experience of the 1.2 million annual visitors projected to attend events. The scope of work includes the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of the custom canopies.
“The Ontario Sports Empire Complex is a landmark project, and Birdair is proud to lend our specialized expertise in tensile fabric architecture to its development,” said Erik Jarvie, Business Development Manager, Birdair. “The integration of our PTFE tensile membrane canopies will not only provide enhanced durability and striking aesthetics but will also elevate the experience of the millions of visitors who will visit the complex every year.”
Birdair is collaborating with several partners to bring this project to life. RJM Design Group, a trusted leader in landscape architecture, has played a pivotal role in the architectural vision for the complex; GMU Structural Engineering is providing innovative structural solutions to ensure the canopies meet rigorous safety and performance standards; and KYA Group & CM – Tilden Coil are leading construction management efforts, ensuring the project is delivered on time and to the highest quality standards.
Construction of the complex is well underway, with the initial phases – including the professional baseball stadium that will be the new home of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Single A affiliate – expected to open in 2026.
“We are thrilled to be working for the City of Ontario alongside our collaborative and goal-oriented partners on such a unique project,” said Tamara McClory, associate landscape architect, RJM Design Group. “Creating important and impactful spaces that will create lasting memories and opportunities for all is at the forefront of RJM Design Group, and we are excited to see the fabrication and installation of the custom Birdair structures come to life.”
Birdair’s canopies will feature its innovative PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-coated fiberglass fabric, a durable and versatile material ideal for tensile membrane structures. This fabric is known for its exceptional strength, weather resistance, and self-cleaning properties, ensuring long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
PTFE fiberglass material also offers superior light transmission, allowing natural daylight to filter through while providing shade and protection from the elements. This blend of functionality and design will ensure the canopies enhance both the aesthetic and operational aspects of the Ontario Sports Empire Complex.
Spanning 190 acres, the Ontario Sports Empire Complex will include state-of-the-art sports facilities for baseball, football, rugby and more, alongside entertainment, retail and dining options. Designed to be a premier venue for both local and international events, the complex will serve as a vibrant hub for sports, recreation and community engagement, contributing to the cultural and economic growth of Ontario.
For more information on Birdair’s innovative roofing systems, canopies and skylights, visit Birdair.com and follow Birdair on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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About Birdair
Birdair, Inc., is the leading specialty design build contractor of custom tensile structures around the world. In addition to pre-construction services such as design assistance, budgeting, construction methodologies and project scheduling, Birdair provides design-build solutions in all aspects of project design, fabrication, installation and maintenance. The company offers a selection of architectural fabric membranes, including PTFE-coated fiberglass, TensoSky® ETFE film, PVC and Tensotherm™, an insulated tensioned membrane system. Birdair, based in Buffalo, NY, is a member of the Taiyo Kogyo Group, with operations serving North and South America and other international locations. For more information about Birdair, call 1-800-622-2246 or visit Birdair.com.
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