CarMax Park to hold ‘thank you’ concert ahead of opening day
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The first-ever event at the new ballpark won't be a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game -- it will be a concert.
The Flying Squirrels announced on Wednesday, March 11, that CarMax Park will officially open its doors for the first time later this month after construction wraps at the new ballpark with "Taking Flight Festival" on March 26.
Organizers said it's a "thank you" concert to celebrate people who helped bring CarMax Park to life, including construction workers, architects, designers, sponsors, community partners and Flying Squirrels ticket members who have supported the project since its start.
The one-night celebration will feature a lineup of rappers and performers, including Big Daddy Kane, Tone Loc, Steve Earle, Reckless Kelly and Richmond's own Butcher Brown. The event marks the first time music will be performed at CarMax Park.
“Before the first pitch is ever thrown at CarMax Park, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you,” said Lou DiBella, managing partner of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. “This ballpark was built by an incredible group of people: construction workers, designers, partners, and fans who believed in this project from the start. ‘Taking Flight Festival’ is our way of celebrating them and welcoming Richmond into its new home.”
The festival will also serve as a full operational rehearsal for the stadium ahead of the first game. Concert attendees will be among the first to experience the ballpark's new concessions program and sample its food and beverages.
Organizers said a special Hot Stove program will replace the traditional offseason Hot Stove event at the concert. With hundreds of guests expected, the evening will likely be the most-attended Hot Stove event in Richmond's baseball history, per the release.
The concert will extend invitations to selected guests and a group of fans who entered the Opening Night Lottery. Organizers said more information on ticket opportunities and fan access will be available soon.
