Inland Empire Ballpark Renamed San Manuel Stadium

San Bernardino, CA- The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Inland Empire 66ers unveiled the new name for the home of baseball in the Inland Empire Thursday, San Manuel Stadium. New stadium and freeway signs were on display for the first time today giving the public a preview of the new look for the 66ers home ballpark before the home opener April 12th.

"This partnership is another milestone in the relationship between San Manuel, the 66ers, and the greater Inland Empire," said San Manuel Chairman James Ramos. "San Manuel Stadium is a place to bring the people of this region together to enjoy baseball and time with family in the spirit of one community."

The Tribe has been a long time supporter of the local baseball club and in recent years has begun working with the 66ers to develop community based partnerships that benefit area community groups, non-profits, little leagues and schools. Programs such as Homeruns for Charity will expand as the Tribe and 66ers utilize the San Manuel Stadium as a base for these initiatives. Homeruns for Charity was developed as a means of providing local area community groups and non-profit organizations with free tickets so that their constituents could enjoy the game of baseball at little-to-no cost.

"Inland Empire 66ers baseball and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have always been focused on building this community," said 66ers Assistant General Manager Ryan English. "This renewed partnership should show the Inland Empire that the baseball clinics, charitable events and positive atmosphere that's been a byproduct of our relationship in the past will be available to all residents of the Inland Empire in the years to come."

The Inland Empire 66ers 2012 season begins on Thursday, April 12th when the California League partners of Angels Baseball host the rival High Desert Mavericks. Reserve a date for your upcoming group event or get season tickets for the upcoming 2012 season by contacting the 66ers front office at (909) 888-9922.

For more information on 66ers baseball, contact Inland Empire 66ers Director of Broadcasting Sam Farber at (909) 495-7632.

About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians The San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the city of Highland, Calif. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel reservation was established in 1891 and recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. Since time immemorial, the San Manuel tribal community has endured change and hardship. Amidst these challenges the tribe continued to maintain its unique form of governance. Like other governments it seeks to provide a better quality of life for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services and promoting social, economic and cultural development. Today San Manuel tribal government oversees many governmental units including the departments of fire, public safety, education and environment.