THE DIAMOND

Not only have pennants flown proud for the Braves and Richmond fans, but also the completion of a new stadium in 1985. The night the new facility was christened on April 17, 1985, Hank Aaron addressed the 12,435 fans in the park, "For the Atlanta Braves, I want to thank you. You have something to be proud of. This is one of the finest parks I've seen." In the Richmond News Leader the next day, sports editor Jennings Culley stated in his column, "The fans are the winners, for years to come they will reap the benefit of the successful parlay of governmental cooperation, business support, and individual labors. The Diamond will stand as the "House That Community Spirit Built!"

In its prime The Diamond was recognized as one of the finest facilities in all of minor league baseball. It has served as the home of the Braves since its opening. Perhaps the most outstanding aspect of this facility – other than the speed with which it was built – was the spirit of teamwork generated by the idea of a new home for the Richmond Braves. Cooperation was unprecedented between the City of Richmond and its two neighboring counties, Chesterfield and Henrico. The three localities pitched in together with $4 million. The balance of the cost was raised through the public and private sectors, which railed enthusiastically around the fundraising campaign.

The Diamond has a seating capacity of 12,134, consisting of 11,978 stadium seats and 156 luxury box seats. In addition to traditional seating, The Diamond features the 150-seat Bloom Brothers Super Suite– with a glass wall that affords an excellent view of the playing field from the first base side of the stadium. The Super Suite is available for private functions, providing the perfect atmosphere for entertaining clients or employees.

In April 1998, the Braves' Diamond Vision Videoboard debuted. The first LED videoboard in the minor leagues, Diamond Vision is 54 feet high by 62 feet wide. In addition to the video board, The Diamond has nine monitors located on the main concourse, along the walkways of the upper level, and in every suite.

The Braves have had a wealth of talented players and coaches in Richmond over the years including: Bill Robinson, Pat Jarvis, Phil and Joe Niekro, Felix Millan, Darrell Evans, Ken Day, Ralph Garr, Lonnie Smith, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Grady Little, Dale Murphy, David Justice just to name a few.