RICHMOND, Va. — For decades, the experience of minor league baseball in Richmond was defined by the steep stairs and constrained sightlines of The Diamond. That era is ending. As the Richmond Flying Squirrels prepare to break ground on a new chapter, the focus has shifted decisively toward inclusivity, with the upcoming CarMax Park designed specifically to accommodate families and fans with diverse accessibility needs.
The new venue, situated in downtown Richmond, represents a significant departure from the 1980s-era infrastructure of its predecessor. According to team officials, the design prioritizes “universal access,” ensuring that the ballpark is navigable for strollers, wheelchairs, and fans of all ages without the physical barriers that characterized the old stadium.
Redefining the Family Experience
At the heart of the new design is the “Bon Secours Base Camp,” a dedicated zone featuring two distinct play spaces tailored to different age groups. Unlike traditional stadiums where children are often confined to their seats, this area allows young fans to expend energy safely while remaining part of the ballpark atmosphere.
Blaine McCormick, communications and broadcasting manager for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, emphasized that the playground is accessible from any seating location. “If your kids necessitate to acquire the zoomies out, they can go to the playgrounds and enjoy it,” McCormick said.
Beyond the playground, the park introduces a “spring training” aesthetic to the seating arrangements. A dedicated lawn area allows families to bring blankets and picnic on the grass, a feature rarely seen in urban Double-A venues. This open seating is complemented by a variety of concession options, including grab-and-go stations designed to minimize wait times during high-traffic innings.
Food offerings have also been expanded to match the casual, picnic-friendly vibe. In addition to standard ballpark fare, the concourse will feature barbecue, helmet nachos, and sweet treats from Dippin’ Dots and Kona Ice.
Accessibility and Inclusivity Upgrades
Perhaps the most critical improvement over The Diamond is the approach to physical accessibility. The old stadium was notorious for its grand entrance, which required navigating nearly 30 steps. CarMax Park reduces this barrier significantly, featuring only eight steps at the main gates alongside a dedicated ramp on the right side.
“It’s very effortless and very accessible for everybody,” McCormick noted regarding the new entrance configuration. Inside, the venue boasts wider seats and walkways to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices more comfortably than the narrow aisles of the previous facility. The team has also increased the number of ADA-compliant seating locations throughout the bowl.
The commitment to inclusivity extends to neurodivergent fans and nursing parents. A dedicated “Nursing Nest” located near home plate provides a private space with curtains and a changing table for up to two mothers at a time. A sensory room offers a quiet retreat for fans who may become overwhelmed by the noise and stimulation of a live game. While the room provides a calm environment, fans are encouraged to bring their own noise-canceling headphones if needed.
A New Era for Richmond Baseball
The architectural changes also impact the fan interaction with the game itself. The new concourse design allows fans to catch home run balls for the first time in Richmond history. At The Diamond, the concourse was restricted to the foul lines, making foul ball retrieval nearly impossible without entering the parking lot. The open concourse at CarMax Park changes this dynamic entirely.
the facility encourages movement. McCormick highlighted that three laps around the facility equal approximately one mile, promoting an active experience for fans who prefer to walk during the game.
While specific opening dates for major infrastructure projects can be subject to change based on construction timelines, the Flying Squirrels have targeted the spring season for their inaugural games. The team has announced a home opening series featuring fireworks and promotions to celebrate the transition to the new downtown location.
For more information on ticket sales and the official opening schedule, fans are encouraged to visit the Richmond Flying Squirrels official website or check updates from the City of Richmond regarding the downtown development project.
As the team prepares for the first pitch, the message from the front office is clear: CarMax Park is built not just for the sport, but for the community that supports it. “This is Richmond’s ballpark,” McCormick said, “making sure that it’s accommodating for everyone to enjoy.”
