Richmond Flying Squirrels celebrate Latino culture with ‘Copa de la Diversión’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Flying Squirrels are embracing and celebrating Latino culture through their participation in "Copa de la Diversión," which translates to "The Fun Cup."

"The Hispanic community is such a large part of baseball," said Nick Elder, the team’s Creative Services and Production Director. "We just want to do all that we can to engage and be inclusive for everyone in our community."

Since 2019, the team has been involved in this initiative aimed at connecting Latino communities to the game of baseball. It happens at six Friday night home games.

“It's just the same team, you know, it’s the Flying Squirrels, they just put on different uniforms," Elder said.

For these games, the team will transform into "Las Ardillas Voladoras," a name that is the Spanish equivalent of the Flying Squirrels.

The Ardillas' uniforms change each year, and this season, they sport a lively combination of blue and green, inspired by the dynamic energy of lucha libre wrestling, a popular form of entertainment in Latino culture.

“You would see fans dressed up with their lucha libre mask, their wristbands, and the jersey," Elder said.

But the changes aren’t just in the uniforms. Elder said the stadium takes on a new vibe too.

"You're going to hear Latin music. You're going to see different flavors and foods, a taco cart and some other perks around the ballpark," Elder said. "You're going to have different entertainment groups, all within the Latin influence and sphere."

Elder said the Copa la Diversión initiative is about more than just the games themselves.

“This brand-new initiative comes back to our three pillars: to be impactful, be different, to have fun."

For those looking to experience this celebration of Latino culture firsthand, Las Ardillas Voladoras will be playing six times at The Diamond this year:

• April 18: Ardillas Voladoras Re-Brand Launch and post-game wrestling FUNN with RVA Pro Wrestling
• May 2: Ardillas Voladoras Arts and Music Night presented by New Kent Winery
• June 27: Ardillas Voladoras Beverage Belt giveaway for the first 1,000 fans aged 21 and older presented by Bud Light
• July 25: Ardillas Voladoras Wrestling Cape giveaway for the first 2,000 fans of all ages
• Aug. 15: Luchador Wrestling Mask giveaway for the first 2,000 fans of all ages presented by Virginia 811 and Dominion Energy
• Sept. 12: Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off