Note: This story has been updated with a statement from stadium consultant Machete Group received after publication.
The new home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels is coming into fuller view via updated renderings recently submitted to the city.
Images provided to Richmond’s Urban Design Committee for initial review before they go to the Planning Commission provide a clearer picture of the new stadium that’s set to replace The Diamond and anchor the larger mixed-use Diamond District development.
The renderings by new stadium designer LaBella show the 10,000-seat ballpark with various amenities and seating options designed to provide the “360-degree experience” that Flying Squirrels execs have said they want to provide fans. The images update earlier renderings that were submitted to the city in March.
LaBella took over the design after the ballclub worked out an arrangement to take the lead on the stadium’s development, working with consultant Machete Group. The original concepts were drawn up by previous designer DLR Group.
In a statement to BizSense, Machete Group principal David Carlock said additional imagery and renderings are to be released soon.
“The images provided to the Urban Design Committee are only screen shots of the architect’s internal 3D model. We have prepared and are finalizing a series of true renderings, as well as a fly through video, that provide a much richer sense of how the new home of the Squirrels will look and feel,” Carlock said. “We look forward to sharing those materials in the very near term and appreciate the community’s strong enthusiasm for the project.”
The latest renderings show the stadium with upper-level suites above open-air seating and amenities around the ballfield, including an outfield play area for kids and families, terraced lawn seating, a beer garden, party deck, barbecue picnic area, and an east-side main entrance opening out to the Diamond District’s planned central park.
A site plan shows the locations for different amenities in the ballpark. (City documents)
A project narrative included with the images states the new ballpark will “stand among the most dynamic and exciting minor league baseball venues in the country” and have “an industrial, warehouse feel meant to pay homage to Richmond’s railway lineage.”
“In addition to Squirrels games, the venue will host a broad array of events, from concerts and movie nights to holiday parties and charity galas,” the narrative reads.
The yet-to-be-named stadium is projected to cost upwards of $110 million and will be funded by $130 million in general obligation bonds that the city secured in a bond sale last month. The stadium bonds are to be paid using tax revenue generated by the surrounding $2.4 billion Diamond District development, which is expected to break ground this month.
Bulldozers and dump trucks were active leveling dirt on the stadium site last week. (BizSense file photo)
The arrangement for the Flying Squirrels to lead the stadium development has positioned Gilbane Building Co., in association with Prestige Construction Group, as the project’s contractor. Initial work on the site got underway in recent weeks, and construction on the stadium is scheduled to start this fall.
The city is aiming for the stadium to be completed and open in time for the 2026 baseball season, to satisfy facility standards required by Major League Baseball for all pro baseball venues.
Richmond’s Urban Design Committee is an 11-member body that advises the Planning Commission on the design of projects on city property or right-of-way. According to the documents, the UDC “provides advice of an aesthetic nature” to the commission, which provides a final vote on what’s called a final location, character and extent review.
The UDC is scheduled to conduct its review at its next meeting this Thursday. City planning staff is recommending approval.
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