Richmond Flying Squirrels’ farewell to The Diamond series begins Tuesday

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Flying Squirrels will be bidding farewell to their longtime home, The Diamond, with a farewell series of games that begins on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

The 'Diamonds aren't forever' series will be the last time the Flying Squirrels play at The Diamond ballpark before they move to the new CarMax Park next year. The week-long celebration features special promotions and giveaways leading up to the already-sold-out final game.

The Diamond has hosted Richmond baseball since it opened in 1985, first home to the Richmond Braves, and then the Flying Squirrels in 2010.

Since then, the Flying Squirrels' fans have amassed impressive attendance stats, selling out 15 straight opening days, and leading all Double-A minor league teams nationally in total and average attendance for the last three seasons, according to a team spokesperson.

They are on pace to repeat that stat this year, averaging 6,600 fans per game and drawing 400,000 total heading into the final week.

Earlier this summer, the Flying Squirrels hit another huge milestone, passing 6 million fans over their 15 seasons, all at The Diamond. So, it's only fitting the team says goodbye to the stadium with a week of events.

"It's going to be about the fans and creating a party-like atmosphere," said Flying Squirrels General Manager Anthony Oppermann. "For the fans to come in [and] make memories one last time in a venue that's so iconic, and that's been such a big part of Richmond's history and culture."

Tuesday, Sept. 9 is Time Capsule Tuesday, where fans submitted items to be in a time capsule for CarMax Park. Fans who had their submissions selected received free tickets to the games. The first 1,500 fans at the game will receive a ''The Farewell Series'' t-shirt.

Wednesday, Sept. 10 is RVA Night, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a commemorative program.

Thursday, Sept. 11 is First Responder's Night. First responders can present an ID to receive a free ticket to the game. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Farewell Series collectors' lapel pin, and the Flying Squirrels will wear and auction off patriotic jerseys.

On Friday, Sept. 12, the Flying Squirrels will transform into Las Ardillas Voladoras to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. An All-Diamond Team poster with some of the biggest MLB stars to play at The Diamond will be given away to the first 2,000 fans. The largest fireworks show in team history will follow the game.

Saturday, Sept. 13 is Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, and the Flying Squirrels will wear and auction off jerseys designed by ASK Kourageous Kids, with the proceeds benefitting the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation.

The Flying Squirrels will also be cleaning out their closet and giving away various items from their archives to fans on Saturday. Expect special appearances from the Richmond Braves' 1989 Governors Cup championship team.

Sunday, Sept. 14 is the sold-out final game, where the first 2,000 fans will take home a bobblehead of the team's #1 fan, Ray Edwards. After the game, fans can play catch on the field at The Diamond and take photos for one hour. Fans will receive a keepsake sample of dirt from The Diamond.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.