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Coordinates: 37°34′18.50″N 77°27′49.44″W / 37.5718056°N 77.4637333°W / 37.5718056; -77.4637333
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{{short description|Baseball stadium in Richmond, Virginia, United States}}
{{Infobox stadium
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = The Diamond
| stadium_name = The Diamond
| nickname = Diamond Ballpark
| nickname = Diamond Ballpark
| image = [[File:Diamond Richmond.PNG|Diamond Richmond.PNG]]<br>[[File:The Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves.jpg|300px]]
| image = [[File:Diamond Richmond.PNG|Diamond Richmond.PNG]]<br>[[File:The Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves.jpg|300px]]
| caption =
| caption =
| location = 3001 North Boulevard<br>Richmond, VA 23230
| location = 3001 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard<br>Richmond, VA 23230
| coordinates = {{coord|37|34|18.50|N|77|27|49.44|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|37|34|18.50|N|77|27|49.44|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground = September 1984
| broke_ground = September 1984
| opened = April 17, 1985<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2vrMal4aZ4cC&pg=PA159&sig=BjtgDWFf3SmKiJBj_Oi7hKFxwe4&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=Baseball in Richmond: A History of the Professional Game, 1884–2000|publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc.|first1=W. Daniel|last1=Harrison|first2=Scott P.|last2=Mayer|year=2003|ISBN=978-0-7864-1489-5}}</ref>
| opened = April 17, 1985<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2vrMal4aZ4cC&pg=PA159|title=Baseball in Richmond: A History of the Professional Game, 1884–2000|publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc.|first1=W. Daniel|last1=Harrison|first2=Scott P.|last2=Mayer|year=2003|isbn=978-0-7864-1489-5}}</ref>
| closed =
| closed =
| demolished =
| demolished =
| owner = [[Richmond Metropolitan Authority]]
| owner = [[Richmond, Virginia|City of Richmond]]<ref name="owner" />
| operator = Richmond Metropolitan Authority
| operator = City of Richmond
| surface = Grass
| surface = Grass
| construction_cost = $8 million<br>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|8000000|1985}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| construction_cost = $8 million<br>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|8000000|1985}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| architect = Baskervill & Sons, Architects<ref name="pci"/>
| architect = Baskervill & Sons, Architects<ref name="pci"/>
| structural engineer = Thomas A. Hanson & Associates, Inc.<ref name="pci">{{cite journal |title=The Diamond|journal=The Virginia Record Magazine|location=Richmond|publisher=Virginia Publishers Wing, Inc.|publication-date=1985|volume=107|issue=4|page=17}}
| structural engineer = Thomas A. Hanson & Associates, Inc.<ref name="pci">{{cite journal |title=The Diamond|journal=The Virginia Record Magazine|location=Richmond|publisher=Virginia Publishers Wing, Inc.|date=1985|volume=107|issue=4|page=17}}
</ref>
</ref>
| general_contractor = [[Lend Lease Project Management & Construction|McDevitt & Street]]<ref name="pci"/>
| general_contractor = [[Bovis Construction|McDevitt & Street]]<ref name="pci"/>
| seating_capacity = 12,134 (VCU Rams)<br>9,560 (Flying Squirrels) <ref name=Bleacher>{{cite news |title=Bleacher Banners Give Diamond New Look, Fewer Seats|first=John|last=O'Connor|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/bleacher-banners-give-diamond-new-look-fewer-seats/article_e7663541-5ee6-5861-83a8-17460d77a751.html?mode=jqm|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=March 27, 2010|accessdate=February 23, 2014}}</ref>
| seating_capacity = 12,134 (VCU Rams)<br>9,560 (Flying Squirrels)<ref name=Bleacher>{{cite news |title=Bleacher Banners Give Diamond New Look, Fewer Seats|first=John|last=O'Connor|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/bleacher-banners-give-diamond-new-look-fewer-seats/article_e7663541-5ee6-5861-83a8-17460d77a751.html?mode=jqm|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=March 27, 2010|access-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref>
| former_names =
| former_names =
| tenants = [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] ([[Eastern League (baseball)|EL]]) (2010–present)<br>[[VCU Rams baseball|VCU Rams]] ([[Atlantic 10 Conference|A-10]]) (1985–present)<br>[[Colonial Athletic Association Baseball Tournament|CAA Tournament]] (1987–1988)<br>[[Richmond Braves]] ([[International League|IL]]) (1985–2008)
| tenants = [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] ([[Eastern League (1938–present)|EL]]/[[Double-A Northeast]]) 2010–present<br>[[VCU Rams baseball|VCU Rams]] ([[Atlantic 10 Conference|A-10]]) 1985–present<br>[[Colonial Athletic Association Baseball Tournament|CAA Tournament]] 1987–1988<br>[[Richmond Braves]] ([[International League|IL]]) 1985–2008
| dimensions = Left field—{{convert|330|ft|m}}<br>Center field—{{convert|402|ft|m}}<br>Right field—{{convert|330|ft|m}}
| dimensions = Left field: {{convert|330|ft|m|abbr=on}}<br>Center field: {{convert|402|ft|m|abbr=on}}<br>Right field: {{convert|330|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Diamond info |url=https://www.milb.com/richmond/ballpark/a-z |website=MiLB.com |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=December 3, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''The Diamond''' is a baseball stadium located in [[Richmond, Virginia]], USA, on [[Boulevard (Richmond, Virginia)|Boulevard]]. It is the home of [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] of the [[Eastern League (baseball)|Eastern League]] and the [[VCU Rams baseball|Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team]]. From 1985 to 2008, it was the home of the [[Richmond Braves]], the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[minor league baseball]] affiliate of the [[Atlanta Braves]]. The Diamond seats 82,134 people for baseball; however, for Flying Squirrels games, advertising banners cover up the top rows of the upper deck, reducing seating capacity to 9,560. It replaced the demolished [[Parker Field (Richmond)|Parker Field]], which had been built in 1934, as part of the fair grounds. Parker Field had been converted for baseball in 1954, replacing Mooers Field. Parker Field housed the Braves from 1966 to 1984. In 2003, part of The Diamond's roof was destroyed by [[Hurricane Isabel]], and in 2004 a piece of a concrete beam the size of a football fell on the stands below, though no fans were injured.
'''The Diamond''' is a baseball stadium located in [[Richmond, Virginia]], USA, on [[Boulevard (Richmond, Virginia)|Arthur Ashe Boulevard]]. It is the home of [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] of the [[Eastern League (1938–present)|Eastern League]] and the [[VCU Rams baseball|Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team]]. From 1985 to 2008, it was the home of the [[Richmond Braves]], the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[minor league baseball]] affiliate of the [[Atlanta Braves]]. The Diamond seats 12,134 people for baseball; however, for Flying Squirrels games, advertising banners cover up the top rows of the upper deck, reducing seating capacity to 9,560.


==History==
==History==
The Diamond replaced the demolished [[Parker Field (Richmond)|Parker Field]],<ref>{{cite web |title=RMA :: The Diamond :: Stadium Operating Committee |url=http://www.rmaonline.org/diamond/stadiumops.html |website=RMA online.org |publisher=Richmond Metropolitan Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220001348/http://www.rmaonline.org/diamond/stadiumops.html |archive-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref> which had been built in 1934, as part of the fair grounds. Parker Field had been converted for baseball in 1954, replacing Mooers Field. Parker Field housed the Braves from 1966 to 1984, with the last game played on August 30 of that year.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kollatz |first=Harry Jr. |date=August 1, 2001 |title=Bottom of the Ninth at the Diamond |url=https://richmondmagazine.com/news/bottom-of-the-ninth-at-the-diamond-02-19-2009/ |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=Richmond Magazine}}</ref>
⚫
The Richmond Braves relocated to [[Gwinnett County, Georgia]] after the 2008 season. One factor in the franchise's decision to relocate was reportedly a failure to reach an agreement on building a new ballpark in Richmond. There was plan by a development group called the Richmond Baseball Initiative to build a new stadium in [[Shockoe Bottom]] near Main Street Station.<ref>{{cite news |title=Braves, Richmond Failed to Connect|first=Dave|last=Ress|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/braves-richmond-failed-to-connect/article_5285b878-9a49-53fc-884e-bfdd35dd6ad2.html|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=February 2, 2008|accessdate=February 23, 2014}}</ref> But in August 2009 the company that submitted this ballpark plan withdrew it. Under the plan, the Richmond Braves would have moved to the new stadium while the Diamond would become the sole home to [[Virginia Commonwealth University]] athletics. VCU Baseball previously shared the facility with the Braves for home games. The Diamond is owned by the [[Richmond Metropolitan Authority]], which currently leases the facility to VCU.
⚫
[[File:The Diamond Outfield.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Outfield and scoreboard]]
{{clear}}


In 2003, part of The Diamond's roof was destroyed by [[Hurricane Isabel]], and in 2004 a piece of a concrete beam the size of a football fell on the stands below, though no fans were injured.
==Renovations==

⚫
The new team announced on October 2 that they were going to spend $1.5 million on renovations to the ballpark and the RMA gave an additional $75,000 for upgrades.<ref>{{cite news |title=Upgrades at The Diamond Allow Time to Choose Major Renovation or New Ballpark|first=John|last=O'Connor|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/upgrades-at-the-diamond-allow-time-to-choose-major-renovation/article_6e7877fa-5146-56c6-a387-1b3228a8159a.html|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=September 30, 2009|accessdate=February 23, 2014}}</ref> On October 28, 2009, the Richmond Flying Squirrels started renovations on the Diamond. They tore out aluminum benches and started to replace them with 3,200 dark green seats with cup holders. There are now 6,200 seats in the lower level. A new larger sized store was built for the "Squirrels." Extensive gutting and remodeling of the offices and new indoor batting cages are parts of the renovation plan as well.<ref name=Bleacher/> For 2011, the scoreboard was enhanced and two new party decks were built in the upper level.<ref>{{cite news |title=Squirrels Plan No Additional Diamond Improvements|first=John|last=O'Connor|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/squirrels-plan-no-additional-diamond-improvements/article_1be3daed-1b81-5e6d-be46-fb9d9931afe3.html|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=September 27, 2011|accessdate=February 23, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
The Richmond Braves relocated to [[Gwinnett County, Georgia]], after the 2008 season. One factor in the franchise's decision to relocate was reportedly a failure to reach an agreement on building a new ballpark in Richmond. There was plan by a development group called the Richmond Baseball Initiative to build a new stadium in [[Shockoe Bottom]] near Main Street Station.<ref>{{cite news |title=Braves, Richmond Failed to Connect|first=Dave|last=Ress|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/braves-richmond-failed-to-connect/article_5285b878-9a49-53fc-884e-bfdd35dd6ad2.html|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=February 2, 2008|access-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref> But in August 2009 the company that submitted this ballpark plan withdrew it. Under the plan, the Richmond Braves would have moved to the new stadium while the Diamond would become the sole home to [[Virginia Commonwealth University]] athletics. VCU Baseball previously shared the facility with the Braves for home games.
⚫
[[File:The Diamond Outfield.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Outfield and scoreboard]]

⚫
The new team announced on October 2, 2009 that they were going to spend $1.5 million on renovations to the ballpark and the RMA gave an additional $75,000 for upgrades.<ref>{{cite news |title=Upgrades at The Diamond Allow Time to Choose Major Renovation or New Ballpark|first=John|last=O'Connor|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/upgrades-at-the-diamond-allow-time-to-choose-major-renovation/article_6e7877fa-5146-56c6-a387-1b3228a8159a.html|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=September 30, 2009|access-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref> On October 28, 2009, the Richmond Flying Squirrels started renovations on the Diamond. They tore out aluminum benches and started to replace them with 3,200 dark green seats with cup holders. There are now 6,200 seats in the lower level. A new larger sized store was built for the Squirrels. Extensive gutting and remodeling of the offices and new indoor batting cages are parts of the renovation plan as well.<ref name=Bleacher/> For 2011, the scoreboard was enhanced and two new party decks were built in the upper level.<ref>{{cite news |title=Squirrels Plan No Additional Diamond Improvements|first=John|last=O'Connor|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/squirrels-plan-no-additional-diamond-improvements/article_1be3daed-1b81-5e6d-be46-fb9d9931afe3.html|newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]|date=September 27, 2011|access-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref>

Ownership of The Diamond was transferred from the [[Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Richmond Metropolitan Authority]] to the city of Richmond in 2014.<ref name="owner">{{cite news |last1=Martz |first1=Michael |last2=Moomaw |first2=Graham |title=Richmond Squirrels look to secure spot at The Diamond |url=https://www.roanoke.com/sports/local_pro_sports/richmond-squirrels-look-to-secure-spot-at-the-diamond/article_f2cd3e52-4c26-5bc8-9ded-1c3665c5353a.html |access-date=July 21, 2019 |work=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |date=June 7, 2015 |language=en |via=[[The Roanoke Times]] |quote=Last year, ... the authority returned The Diamond to the city.}}</ref>

Ahead of the 2020 season, and in consultation with the San Francisco Giants and VCU Baseball, the Flying Squirrels are reducing outfield distances at the Diamond from 8 to 10 feet from left center field around to right center field. Exact distances are yet to be determined. Distances up the foul lines will remain the same.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=John |title=The Diamond's fences will shortly be shortened, alleys prepped for more HRs in 2020 season |url=https://www.richmond.com/sports/flying-squirrels/the-diamond-s-fences-will-shortly-be-shortened-alleys-prepped/article_8e29cd9a-9bda-516a-8c98-b3f816eb28ac.html |access-date=December 3, 2019 |work=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |date=November 25, 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Casadonte |first1=Lane |title=Flying Squirrels to bring in outfield walls at The Diamond |url=https://wtvr.com/2019/11/25/flying-squirrels-to-bring-in-outfield-walls-at-the-diamond/ |access-date=December 3, 2019 |work=[[WTVR-TV]] |date=November 25, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>


==Other events==
==Other events==
The venue hosted the 1987 and 1988 [[Colonial Athletic Association Baseball Tournament]]s, won by [[East Carolina Pirates baseball|East Carolina]] and [[George Mason Patriots baseball|George Mason]], respectively.<ref name=rb>{{cite web|title=Baseball Record Book|url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Records/recordbookbase.pdf|publisher=Colonial Athletic Association|accessdate=February 18, 2012|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/65YNUWEgC?url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Records/recordbookbase.pdf|archivedate=February 18, 2012|pages=6–10|deadurl=yes|df=}}</ref>
The venue hosted the 1987 and 1988 [[Colonial Athletic Association baseball tournament]]s, won by [[East Carolina Pirates baseball|East Carolina]] and [[George Mason Patriots baseball|George Mason]], respectively.<ref name=rb>{{cite web|title=Baseball Record Book|url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Records/recordbookbase.pdf|publisher=Colonial Athletic Association|access-date=February 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413200333/http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Records/recordbookbase.pdf|archive-date=April 13, 2015|pages=6–10|url-status=dead}}</ref>

⚫
The ballpark hosted the 1992 [[Triple-A All-Star Game]]. The team of [[American League]]-affiliated All-Stars defeated the team of [[National League (baseball)|National League]]-affiliated All-Stars, 2–1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGSummaries1.jsp|title=Triple-A All-Star Game Results (1988–1992)|publisher=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=July 7, 2017}}</ref>

The Diamond also hosted the 2019 [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]] All-Star Game before 9,560 fans, the largest crowd in the game's history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eastern League All-Star Game Draws Over 9,500 Fans |url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/07/11/eastern-league-all-star-game-draws-over-9500-fans/ |website=Ballpark Digest |publisher=August Publications |access-date=July 21, 2019 |date=July 11, 2019}}</ref>

⚫
The ballpark is also home to Virginia Commonwealth University's Rams baseball team. VCU hosts Atlantic 10 and regional teams at the Diamond.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}


The venue was to host the [[2020 Atlantic 10 Conference baseball tournament]], which was cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Virginia|COVID-19 pandemic]].{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
⚫
The ballpark hosted the 1992 [[Triple-A All-Star Game]]. The team of [[American League]]-affiliated All-Stars defeated the team of [[National League]]-affiliated All-Stars, 2–1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGSummaries1.jsp|title=Triple-A All-Star Game Results (1988–1992)|publisher=Triple-A Baseball|accessdate=July 7, 2017}}</ref>


==Replacement==
⚫
The ballpark is also home to Virginia Commonwealth University's Rams baseball team. VCU hosts Atlantic 10 and regional teams at the Diamond.
The Flying Squirrels and VCU will be leaving The Diamond in 2026 and will begin playing home games at the new [[CarMax Park]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://richmond.com/news/local/business/carmax-richmond-flying-squirrels/article_766d69e2-6ac9-11ef-8200-631c1d21e297.html |title=New Richmond baseball stadium will be named CarMax Park |first=John |last=O'Connor |date=September 4, 2024 |newspaper=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 45: Line 59:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|The Diamond (Richmond, Virginia)|The Diamond}}
{{Commons category|The Diamond (Richmond, Virginia)|The Diamond}}
* [https://www.milb.com/richmond Richmond Flying Squirrels]
* [https://www.milb.com/richmond Richmond Flying Squirrels]
* [https://www.milb.com/richmond/ballpark/a-z The Diamond info]
* [http://www.rmaonline.org/diamond/stadiumops.html Richmond Metropolitan Authority]
* [http://www.littleballparks.com/Stadium/2001/Richmond/Richmond.htm The Diamond Views – ''Ball Parks of the Minor Leagues'']
* [http://www.littleballparks.com/Stadium/2001/Richmond/Richmond.htm The Diamond Views – ''Ball Parks of the Minor Leagues'']


{{Eastern League ballparks}}
{{Eastern League ballparks}}
{{Atlantic 10 Conference baseball venue navbox|state=autocollapse}}
{{Atlantic 10 Conference baseball venue navbox|state=autocollapse}}
{{VCU Rams baseball navbox}}
{{Virginia NCAA Division I college baseball venue navbox}}
{{Virginia NCAA Division I college baseball venue navbox}}
{{Virginia Commonwealth University}}
{{Virginia Commonwealth University}}
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[[Category:1985 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1985]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1985]]
[[Category:Eastern League (1938–present) ballparks]]

Latest revision as of 18:31, 12 September 2024

The Diamond
Diamond Ballpark
Diamond Richmond.PNG
Map
Location3001 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23230
Coordinates37°34′18.50″N 77°27′49.44″W / 37.5718056°N 77.4637333°W / 37.5718056; -77.4637333
OwnerCity of Richmond[2]
OperatorCity of Richmond
Capacity12,134 (VCU Rams)
9,560 (Flying Squirrels)[5]
Field sizeLeft field: 330 ft (100 m)
Center field: 402 ft (123 m)
Right field: 330 ft (100 m)[6]
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Broke groundSeptember 1984
OpenedApril 17, 1985[1]
Construction cost$8 million
($22.7 million in 2023 dollars[3])
ArchitectBaskervill & Sons, Architects[4]
Structural engineerThomas A. Hanson & Associates, Inc.[4]
General contractorMcDevitt & Street[4]
Tenants
Richmond Flying Squirrels (EL/Double-A Northeast) 2010–present
VCU Rams (A-10) 1985–present
CAA Tournament 1987–1988
Richmond Braves (IL) 1985–2008

The Diamond is a baseball stadium located in Richmond, Virginia, USA, on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. It is the home of Richmond Flying Squirrels of the Eastern League and the Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team. From 1985 to 2008, it was the home of the Richmond Braves, the Triple-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The Diamond seats 12,134 people for baseball; however, for Flying Squirrels games, advertising banners cover up the top rows of the upper deck, reducing seating capacity to 9,560.

History

[edit]

The Diamond replaced the demolished Parker Field,[7] which had been built in 1934, as part of the fair grounds. Parker Field had been converted for baseball in 1954, replacing Mooers Field. Parker Field housed the Braves from 1966 to 1984, with the last game played on August 30 of that year.[8]

In 2003, part of The Diamond's roof was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel, and in 2004 a piece of a concrete beam the size of a football fell on the stands below, though no fans were injured.

The Richmond Braves relocated to Gwinnett County, Georgia, after the 2008 season. One factor in the franchise's decision to relocate was reportedly a failure to reach an agreement on building a new ballpark in Richmond. There was plan by a development group called the Richmond Baseball Initiative to build a new stadium in Shockoe Bottom near Main Street Station.[9] But in August 2009 the company that submitted this ballpark plan withdrew it. Under the plan, the Richmond Braves would have moved to the new stadium while the Diamond would become the sole home to Virginia Commonwealth University athletics. VCU Baseball previously shared the facility with the Braves for home games.

Outfield and scoreboard

The new team announced on October 2, 2009 that they were going to spend $1.5 million on renovations to the ballpark and the RMA gave an additional $75,000 for upgrades.[10] On October 28, 2009, the Richmond Flying Squirrels started renovations on the Diamond. They tore out aluminum benches and started to replace them with 3,200 dark green seats with cup holders. There are now 6,200 seats in the lower level. A new larger sized store was built for the Squirrels. Extensive gutting and remodeling of the offices and new indoor batting cages are parts of the renovation plan as well.[5] For 2011, the scoreboard was enhanced and two new party decks were built in the upper level.[11]

Ownership of The Diamond was transferred from the Richmond Metropolitan Authority to the city of Richmond in 2014.[2]

Ahead of the 2020 season, and in consultation with the San Francisco Giants and VCU Baseball, the Flying Squirrels are reducing outfield distances at the Diamond from 8 to 10 feet from left center field around to right center field. Exact distances are yet to be determined. Distances up the foul lines will remain the same.[12][13]

Other events

[edit]

The venue hosted the 1987 and 1988 Colonial Athletic Association baseball tournaments, won by East Carolina and George Mason, respectively.[14]

The ballpark hosted the 1992 Triple-A All-Star Game. The team of American League-affiliated All-Stars defeated the team of National League-affiliated All-Stars, 2–1.[15]

The Diamond also hosted the 2019 Eastern League All-Star Game before 9,560 fans, the largest crowd in the game's history.[16]

The ballpark is also home to Virginia Commonwealth University's Rams baseball team. VCU hosts Atlantic 10 and regional teams at the Diamond.[citation needed]

The venue was to host the 2020 Atlantic 10 Conference baseball tournament, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[citation needed]

Replacement

[edit]

The Flying Squirrels and VCU will be leaving The Diamond in 2026 and will begin playing home games at the new CarMax Park.[17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Harrison, W. Daniel; Mayer, Scott P. (2003). Baseball in Richmond: A History of the Professional Game, 1884–2000. McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-1489-5.
  2. ^ a b Martz, Michael; Moomaw, Graham (June 7, 2015). "Richmond Squirrels look to secure spot at The Diamond". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved July 21, 2019 – via The Roanoke Times. Last year, ... the authority returned The Diamond to the city.
  3. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "The Diamond". The Virginia Record Magazine. 107 (4). Richmond: Virginia Publishers Wing, Inc.: 17 1985.
  5. ^ a b O'Connor, John (March 27, 2010). "Bleacher Banners Give Diamond New Look, Fewer Seats". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  6. ^ "The Diamond info". MiLB.com. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  7. ^ "RMA :: The Diamond :: Stadium Operating Committee". RMA online.org. Richmond Metropolitan Authority. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012.
  8. ^ Kollatz, Harry Jr. (August 1, 2001). "Bottom of the Ninth at the Diamond". Richmond Magazine. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  9. ^ Ress, Dave (February 2, 2008). "Braves, Richmond Failed to Connect". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  10. ^ O'Connor, John (September 30, 2009). "Upgrades at The Diamond Allow Time to Choose Major Renovation or New Ballpark". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  11. ^ O'Connor, John (September 27, 2011). "Squirrels Plan No Additional Diamond Improvements". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  12. ^ O'Connor, John (November 25, 2019). "The Diamond's fences will shortly be shortened, alleys prepped for more HRs in 2020 season". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  13. ^ Casadonte, Lane (November 25, 2019). "Flying Squirrels to bring in outfield walls at The Diamond". WTVR-TV. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  14. ^ "Baseball Record Book" (PDF). Colonial Athletic Association. pp. 6–10. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 13, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  15. ^ "Triple-A All-Star Game Results (1988–1992)". Triple-A Baseball. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  16. ^ "Eastern League All-Star Game Draws Over 9,500 Fans". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  17. ^ O'Connor, John (September 4, 2024). "New Richmond baseball stadium will be named CarMax Park". Richmond Times-Dispatch.
[edit]
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