The Diamond (Richmond, Virginia)

History

The Diamond replaced the demolished 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, with the last game played on August 30 of that year.

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. 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 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. 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.

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

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.

On September 14, 2025, the Flying Squirrels played their final game at The Diamond, losing to the Hartford Yard Goats 5–2 in the tenth inning in front of a sellout crowd.

Other events

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

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.

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

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

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

In 2025, The Firefighters hosted their first and only game at the Diamond facing the Texas Tailgaters of Banana Ball. The Firefighters will return and play at CarMax park in 2026.

Replacement

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

References

References

1. (2003). "Baseball in Richmond: A History of the Professional Game, 1884–2000". McFarland & Company, Inc..
2. O'Connor, John. (March 27, 2010). "Bleacher Banners Give Diamond New Look, Fewer Seats". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].
3. "The Diamond info". Minor League Baseball.
4. "RMA :: The Diamond :: Stadium Operating Committee". Richmond Metropolitan Authority.
5. Kollatz, Harry Jr.. (August 1, 2001). "Bottom of the Ninth at the Diamond".
6. Ress, Dave. (February 2, 2008). "Braves, Richmond Failed to Connect". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].
7. O'Connor, John. (September 30, 2009). "Upgrades at The Diamond Allow Time to Choose Major Renovation or New Ballpark". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].
8. O'Connor, John. (September 27, 2011). "Squirrels Plan No Additional Diamond Improvements". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].
9. (June 7, 2015). "Richmond Squirrels look to secure spot at The Diamond". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].
10. (November 25, 2019). "The Diamond's fences will shortly be shortened, alleys prepped for more HRs in 2020 season". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].
11. (November 25, 2019). "Flying Squirrels to bring in outfield walls at The Diamond". [[WTVR-TV]].
12. "Squirrels drop season finale to Goats in extras". [[Minor League Baseball]].
13. (September 14, 2025). "'It's been a great ride:' Fans share memories at Richmond Flying Squirrels' last game at the Diamond". [[WTVR-TV]].
14. "Baseball Record Book". Colonial Athletic Association.
15. "Triple-A All-Star Game Results (1988–1992)". Triple-A Baseball.
16. (July 11, 2019). "Eastern League All-Star Game Draws Over 9,500 Fans". August Publications.
17. O'Connor, John. (September 4, 2024). "New Richmond baseball stadium will be named CarMax Park". [[Richmond Times-Dispatch]].