The Diamond

Infobox_Baseball_Stadium
stadium_name = The Diamond
nickname =


location = 3001 N Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23230
broke_ground =
opened = 1985
closed =
demolished =
owner = Richmond Metropolitan Authority
operator = Richmond Metropolitan Authority
surface = Grass
construction_cost =
architect =
seating_capacity = 12,134
former_names =
tenants = Richmond Braves (International League) (1985–2008)
VCU Rams (CAA) (1985–Present)
dimensions = Left Field — 330 feet
Center Field — 402 feet
Right Field — 330 feet

The Diamond, a stadium located in Richmond, Virginia, USA, on Boulevard, is the home of the Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team. From 1964 to 2008, it was the home of the Richmond Braves, the Triple-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Originally known as Parker Field, it was completely rebuilt and renamed in 1985 and seats 12,134 people. In 2003, part of its roof was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel, and in 2004 a piece of a concrete beam fell on the stands below, though no fans were injured.

The Richmond Braves relocated to Gwinnett County, Georgia after the 2008 season. One factor in the franchise's decision to relocate was reportedly a failure to reach an agreement on building a new ballpark in Richmond. There was plan by a development group called the Richmond Baseball Initiative to build a new stadium in Shockoe Bottom near Main Street Station. Under the plan, the Richmond Braves would have moved to the new stadium while the Diamond would become the sole home to Virginia Commonwealth University athletics. VCU Baseball previously shared the facility with the Braves for home games. The Diamond is owned by the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which currently leases the facility to VCU.

Parker Field had been built in 1934, as part of the fair grounds. It was converted for baseball in 1954, replacing Mooers Field.

External links

* [http://www.littleballparks.com/Stadium/2001/Richmond/Richmond.htm The Diamond Views - "Ball Parks of the Minor Leagues"]
* [http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031775376254&path=!news!localnews&s=1058750351796 Richmond ballparks]