Honestly, if you drive past the intersection of Arthur Ashe Boulevard and I-95 today, you’re looking at a ghost. A loud, concrete, deeply loved ghost. The Diamond in Richmond Virginia is technically still standing, but the clock hasn't just been ticking—it’s basically run out of batteries.
For forty years, this massive gray structure has defined the skyline of North Richmond. It’s a brutalist relic from 1985, a time when "state-of-the-art" meant plenty of parking and enough rebar to survive a small nuclear event. But as we sit here in early 2026, the era of "The Diamond" is officially over.
You’ve probably heard the rumors or seen the construction cranes across the street. The Richmond Flying Squirrels are moving. VCU is looking for a permanent home. And a $2.4 billion neighborhood is rising from the asphalt. But before the wrecking balls arrive, there is a lot to unpack about what made this place special—and why it took fifteen years of arguing to finally replace it.
Why The Diamond Still Matters (Even As It Crumbles)
Most people think of The Diamond as just a baseball stadium. That's a mistake. It’s actually a monument to the 1980s "Triple-A" boom. When it opened in April 1985 to replace the old Parker Field, it was the envy of the Minor Leagues. We’re talking about the home of the Richmond Braves, where legends like Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine learned how to pitch and hit before becoming Hall of Famers in Atlanta.
There was a specific kind of magic there. The "V" shape of the grandstands. The way the humidity trapped the smell of hot dogs and cheap beer on a July night. It felt permanent.
But permanence has a price. By the early 2000s, chunks of concrete the size of footballs were literally falling into the stands. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel ripped part of the roof off. The Braves eventually got tired of waiting for a new stadium and bailed for Gwinnett County in 2008. Richmond was left with a massive, empty concrete bowl and no team.
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Then came the Squirrels.
When the Flying Squirrels arrived in 2010, they didn't just play baseball; they threw a party every night to distract us from the fact that the stadium was technically "obsolete" by MLB standards. They spent $1.5 million on fresh paint and better seats, but you can’t polish a structural issue forever.
The CarMax Park Era is Here
As of right now, January 2026, the finish line is in sight. The new stadium, officially named CarMax Park, is scheduled to open its gates on April 7, 2026.
It’s not just a replacement. It’s a total shift in philosophy. While The Diamond was a fortress designed to keep people in their seats, the new $110 million ballpark is basically a 360-degree social club.
- A wrap-around concourse means you can walk the entire perimeter without losing sight of the game.
- The Beer Garden in left field is a direct nod to the neighboring Scott’s Addition brewery scene.
- Dugout suites will actually put fans closer to home plate than the players in the dugout.
It’s weird to think about, but the "Diamond District" project is the biggest thing to happen to Richmond since, well, maybe ever. We're talking 67 acres of development. 2,800 apartments. A million square feet of office space. It’s turning a sea of parking lots into a real neighborhood.
What Really Happened with the VCU Standoff?
If you follow local news, you know it hasn't been all "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." There’s been some real tension.
For years, The Diamond in Richmond Virginia was shared by the Squirrels and the VCU Rams. It worked, mostly. But as the new stadium deal was finalized, things got messy. In late 2025 and early 2026, negotiations between the team and the university hit a wall.
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The core of the issue? Money and land. VCU owns the land where Sports Backers Stadium sits—the track and field facility right next door. The city needs that land to build the retail and housing that pays for the whole project. Meanwhile, the Squirrels are paying a massive $3.2 million annual rent for the new park (one of the highest in the minors), and they need VCU to chip in if they’re going to share the space.
As of this month, the Rams are in a bit of a pickle. Since the stadium lights were moved from the old Diamond to the new CarMax Park site, VCU is currently forced to play their early 2026 home games in the daylight.
"It's a high-stakes game of chicken," says local real estate analyst Michael Phillips. "If the city can't get that VCU land, the tax revenue projections for the entire Diamond District start to look shaky."
The Farewell: What Happens Next?
The "Diamonds Aren't Forever" farewell series last September was emotional. Thousands of fans stayed late to play catch on the field one last time. People were literally trying to figure out how to take their seats home with them.
So, what should you do if you’re heading to the area this spring?
- Check the Schedule Early: Opening Day at CarMax Park (April 7) is going to be the hardest ticket to get in Richmond history. If you aren't a season ticket holder, look at the mid-week games in May.
- Explore Scott's Addition First: The new stadium is designed to be an extension of the brewery district. Park in the new Diamond District decks (once they open) and walk over to The Veil or Ardent before the game.
- Watch the "Full Faith and Credit" Debate: The city shifted how it's paying for this. Instead of relying solely on the project's own revenue, they used general obligation bonds. This means if the development stalls, the taxpayers are on the hook. It’s worth keeping an eye on the City Council meetings this winter.
- Say Goodbye to the Grey Lady: The Diamond won't be demolished overnight. There’s a window right now where both the old and new structures are visible at once. It’s a great photo op for anyone who loves urban history.
The transition from the old Diamond in Richmond Virginia to the new CarMax Park is more than just a sports update. It’s Richmond finally deciding what it wants to be: a city that builds for the future instead of just patching up the past.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a close watch on the Flying Squirrels' official ticket portal throughout February. With the lease agreements finalized, single-game tickets for the inaugural season at CarMax Park are expected to drop shortly after the Super Bowl. If you're a VCU fan, verify the game times for the spring season, as "daylight-only" baseball remains the plan until the formal move-in this April.