Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
LoanMart Field 8408 Rochester Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,200
The Epicenter
California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball. In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises. Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises, call the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home.
The franchise is well known by stadium travelers due to its unforgettable city name, regionally appropriate nickname, comfortable venue, and reputation for a great fan experience. Opened as The Epicenter in 1992 at a cost of around $20 million, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the stadium have enjoyed a prosperous run.
Since its debut, the venue has snagged the record for single-season attendance among the California League, has been purchased by an investment group that includes former Royal-great George Brett and has had a renovation in 2008.
In 2013, the Epicenter became known as LoanMart Field after the franchise signed a ten-year naming rights agreement. Even with the name change, folks still fondly refer to the yard as The Epicenter.
Food & Beverage 4
For those who may have been accustomed to the traditional Dodger Dog, you may be somewhat disappointed that it is no longer served. However, a Hoffy all-beef dog has replaced the much loved Dodger Dog and is equally just as enjoyable sans the Dodger tie-in.
Other items on the menu include a Quakes bacon cheeseburger, pepperoni pizza slices, brats, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, chicken tenders/wings, and fries.
If you’re in the mood for some South of The Border tastings, carne asada fries, Mexican-style street corn, burritos, nachos in a souvenir helmet, and quesadillas, all with the choice of carne asada, chicken, or carnitas are available at the left field cantina.
If carrying a sweet tooth, soft serve ice cream, churros, and churro sundaes are served up in a souvenir helmet. Cotton candy and assorted candy varieties are also available.
Pepsi product sodas are sold as well as bottled water and Gatorade. Domestic brew options from Anheuser Busch and Coors products are available as well as premium craft brews ranging from Firestone 805, Kona Big Wave, and Elysian Contact Haze IPA.
Atmosphere 5
The Epicenter is a truly beautiful venue, where the sun is likely always shining, and the tree-lined outfield fence is only overshadowed by the towering San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.
One thing you will see a lot in the stands are blue-clad fans. As in, Dodger Blue. Since joining the Dodgers farm system in 2011, the Quakes have added Dodger Blue to their color scheme, and it shows in the stands as fans are dressed in both Quakes and Dodgers attire. The affiliation with the Dodgers gives fans an added enthusiasm. As they enter The Epicenter there’s this feeling in the air that they are watching the future of their big league team.
Neighborhood 4
The neighborhood is located where the Mohave Trail, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail, El Camino Real, and the former Route 66 all meet. Fans will notice many of the old Route 66 markers throughout the streets on the way to the stadium, particularly along Foothill Blvd. The stadium is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park, surrounded by three softball fields and two soccer fields.
Just a few minutes away are most of your common fast food eateries as well as several other sit-down options at nearby Victoria Gardens. Richie’s Real American Diner is your standard diner that also offers a wood-smoked BBQ. Richie’s Diner pays tribute to the local area’s Route 66 roots.
Fans 4
During the history of the franchise, the team has at one point or another been affiliated with each of the three Southern California MLB teams (Padres, Angels, and Dodgers).
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes MLB Affiliations, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
The Rancho Cucamonga fans are a passionate bunch. Due to its current affiliation with the Dodgers as well as its proximity to L.A., don’t be surprised should you see plenty of Dodger Blue in the stands. The Quakes do an outstanding job of marketing their product as well as paying tribute to their parent club, even adding Dodger Blue to their color scheme. So knowledgeable and passionate are the fans here about both the Single A and the big club, should you walk around Dodger Stadium in Rancho Cucamonga Quakes gear chances are good you will have a fan or two come up and pay you a compliment.
Access 4
Depending on traffic, Rancho Cucamonga can be anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles. The stadium is located not far from the 10, 15 and 210 freeways. Parking is very plentiful and reasonable at $5. Should a huge crowd be expected especially for a fireworks night game, overflow parking is also available on a lot across the street from the stadium.
Return on Investment 4
Compared to the parent club in L.A. ticket prices are still a bargain though somewhat pricey for Single A baseball, with prices starting at $18 for Club Box seats to $22 for The Super Box.
The Dugout Deck, located next to the Quakes’ third base dugout sells for $29 and provides tables for families and friends to place their food and personal items. If bringing along a group of four, the Strike Zone provides table seating between the dugouts atop the Super Box aisles at a total of $133.
Extras 4
The tree-lined outfield wall and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance provide a truly perfect baseball setting. LoanMart Field is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park and is surrounded by recreational baseball/softball diamonds. If any of the fields are empty, visiting fans can easily find some space to play a game or simply toss a baseball back and forth.
Also in the concourse, fans will find the day’s starting lineups and current California League standings.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Starting Lineups, Photo by Andre Ojeda, Stadium Journey
Along the left field concourse is the All-Star Walk of Fame.
LoanMart Field Walk of Fame, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
This display dates back to the team’s infancy in 1993 and pays tribute to every notable Padre, Angel, and, Dodger that ever donned a Quakes uniform either as a step to the bigs or a stop on a rehab assignment. The list along the Walk that includes among others Clayton Kershaw, Wally Joyner, and recent Hall of Fame inductee Vladimir Guerrero is both plentiful and impressive.
Dodgers Passing Through Rancho, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
Final Thoughts
Since 1992 many a future Big Leaguer has passed through the foothills of the Inland Empire.
Rancho Cucamonga will continue to be the Single-A West Coast affiliate for the Dodgers for the foreseeable future.
The Quakes continue to be a leader in the California League circuit. Being located an hour from Downtown Los Angeles and its affiliation with the Dodgers benefits the Quakes greatly as evidenced by all the blue and white in the stands.
One final fun fact. As you approach LoanMart Field one of the entrances that LoanMart Field is located on is named after the late great comedian Jack Benny. Click here for more fun facts on Jack Benny’s ties to the city of Rancho.
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