Richmond Ballpark/CarMax Park

The idea of replacing The Diamond as a home minor league ballpark began as far back as 2000. Over the course of many years, the city tossed around the idea of relocating the city’s then-minor league baseball team, the Richmond Braves, to a new stadium in Shockoe Bottom. Facing some opposition to this proposal, Richmond officials under mayor Dwight C. Jones resurfaced a new $200 million plan in 2013 to build a multi-use development in Shockoe Bottom. Again, facing backlash from community activists, this plan failed to proceed any further. In 2022, the City of Richmond and its partners moved forward to replace The Diamond with a new stadium as part of a broader redevelopment project. Shockoe Bottom would remain the focus of historic preservation efforts, commemorating the neighborhood’s past rather than introducing large-scale commercial projects such as the baseball stadium.

Reaching an agreement with Virginia Commonwealth University, CarMax Park is the new centerpiece of Richmond’s immersive Diamond District that blends sports, entertainment and community life. The Richmond Flying Squirrels and the VCU Rams would get a new home with this new field, drawing in thousands of locals and tourists alike to enjoy a game. Not only would this new stadium host the baseball team, but it would also provide a space for hosting concerts, corporate events and programming. Strengthening the community of Richmond, this new construction would have a purpose extending far beyond the game of baseball.

Many parts of this large project included the use of structural steel for its long-term durability and strength. When key project members considered a coating protection system for the exposed steel, galvanizing stood as a clear choice due to its corrosion performance and coating durability to withstand the outdoor elements and wear from constant contact with the public. The galvanized elements included exterior stadium framing, outfield building steel, video board support structure, entry gate bridge and tower, and much more. Because of Richmond’s rich industrial heritage, all 569 tons of galvanized steel were put on display rather than hidden. A beautiful ode to the transformative years of Richmond’s past, present and future.

From start to finish the fabricator, project managers and galvanizer worked together to establish effective communication and close coordination. Framing sizes and configurations were carefully planned around the size of the galvanizer’s kettle capacity, ensuring that each and every piece would receive complete coverage. The galvanizer was able to offer education of the galvanizing process, vent and drain hole expectations and provide a quality product that the ballpark would be proud to showcase to the public for years to come.

Standing nearly 100 years down the road due to galvanizing the steel parts, CarMax Park will become a landmark for baseball enthusiasts and community members to come together. Silently serving this thriving community, the galvanized steel will inspire future expansion in the area for generations to come.