Fans get sneak peek inside Richmond Flying Squirrels’ new Carmax Park at Nutzy’s Block Party

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time, the Richmond Flying Squirrels welcomed fans inside Carmax Park off Arthur Ashe Boulevard ahead of the ballpark's first season next month.

On Saturday, March 7, hundreds came to see the new ballpark during Nutzy's Block Party. Carmax Park will replace The Diamond, which hosted professional baseball in the Richmond region for 40 years.

Saturday also marked the grand opening of the new Squirrels Nest team store, filled with caps, jerseys and shirts featuring the new Flying Squirrels logos.

For those reluctant to say goodbye to The Diamond, Flying Squirrels staff members said the new amenities will be game changers and hope the venue will be one that all of the city of Richmond can be proud of.

"You see the field as soon as you walk in, and it just hits you, and then you make your way around the concourses that are twice as wide as the ones at The Diamond," said Squirrels General Manager Anthony Oppermann. "We've got a spot down the left field line called 'The Patio.' It's $10 standing room spot."We do have picnic tables and high-top tables set up there. There's [a] 27-tap bar right in that space, too, that overlooks the visiting bullpen."

The first game at Carmax Park is set for Tuesday, April 7. A 10,000-person, sell-out crowd is expected to attend.