Richmond, Virginia
⚾ Richmond Flying Squirrels

Baseball in Richmond has existed for over 140 years, dating back to 1884. Minor league ball, however, wouldn’t arrive until nearly 70 years later in the form of the Richmond Virginians, who played out of old Parker Field for more than three decades. Later replaced by the Braves, the city’s team moved to a deficient venue known as The Diamond in 1985.

Richmond remained in a state of ballpark purgatory for much of The Diamond’s existence and, while the Braves headed to suburban Atlanta in 2008, the Flying Squirrels would emerge in the River City just two years later. Their relocation was predicated on the replacement of the derelict facility and, while it took far longer than expected, the opening of CarMax Park in 2026 brought stability and modernity to the sports landscape in the capital region.

The new ballpark seats almost 10,000, and while the Squirrels currently play in the Double-A Eastern League, it is large enough to meet Triple-A standards if the need should arise in the future. CarMax Park bears little resemblance to its predecessor, featuring a sunken playing surface, a one-story seating area and a wider, 360-degree concourse. The ballpark also has a 3,648 sq.ft. video board, the largest in the state of Virginia and one of the largest in all of Minor League Baseball.

Some other highlights include a playground in right-center field, a large lawn for fans, an indoor/outdoor bar behind home plate and a picnic area on the third-base side.

Local art is also showcased throughout CarMax Park. In the right field corner, a large sign reads “Richmond” facing the fans and “Flying Squirrels” facing the field. Two kinetic sculptures by internationally renowned artist Fredrick Prescott are present too, created to resemble team mascot Nutzy and one of Richmond’s most successful past prospects, Brandon Crawford. And just left of the entrance to the stadium is a mural featuring four giant baseball cards of players connected to the city’s baseball history.

The only league title for the franchise came in 2002 when they were still known as the Norwich Navigators, long before their move to Richmond. The Squirrels, however, have managed to nab a division title and a few half-season crowns over the years.

CarMax Park is the product of a 20-year effort to bring a state-of-the-art ballpark to the River City, and it has been worth the wait. The ballpark is an anchor for the $2.4 billion, 67-acre Diamond District development project, which will serve as the sports and entertainment hub that Richmond has been craving for so long.

Take a listen to my interviews with the voices behind Richmond baseball, Trey Wilson and Blaine McCormick.

Trey Wilson

Blaine McCormick