Richmond Flying Squirrels prepare for final opening day at the Diamond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Happening this Friday is the Richmond Flying Squirrels' final home game season opener at the Diamond before the team moves to their new home!

Tonight's sold-out game is not only a celebration of the Diamond's 40th anniversary, but it also represents the final season the team will play at the Diamond before they move over to their almost-finished new home at CarMax Park. 

The new ballpark is expected to be more than just a stadium. The project is meant to serve as a multi-use venue that will also host hundreds of events year-round.   

National baseball hall of fame inductee and former Richmond Braves pitcher John Smoltz will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the big game.   

Friday’s home opener is officially sold out for the 15th year in a row. 

Tickets are still available for the team’s other two opening weekend games on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, as well as the rest of the 2025 season.  

8News spoke to Trey Wilson with the Flying Squirrels about the Diamond's legacy and what's next for the team. 

"The good news is, over the next generation, people are going to make -- the next several generations -- they're going to make all kinds of new memories in that ballpark as well. But for 2025, let's celebrate all the great times we've had here at the Diamond," Wilson said.

Friday night's game against the Akron RubberDucks is expected to start at 6:35 p.m.

CarMax Park -- which will be the new home for the Richmond Flying Squirrels -- is on track for its opening in 2026, according to developers.