What Richmond loved — and didn't — about CarMax Park
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CarMax Park in May. Photo: Bradley Rex/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
CarMax Park won over most Richmonders in its rookie season. But please, for the love of Nutzy, Axios readers say: Fix the food.
Why it matters: After decades of waiting, Richmond finally got its shiny new ballpark this year — and our readers had thoughts about what worked, what didn't and what they want changed.
By the numbers: Of the 83 readers who responded to our recent online survey, 81% said CarMax Park mostly or completely lived up to the hype.
- 63% said the new park made them more likely to go to a Squirrels game.
What they loved: The park itself earned the biggest raves — especially the wider concourses, accessibility, variety of seating and ability to stroll all the way around the field.
- "There's not a bad seat in the house for anyone," one reader wrote, praising the expansive views.
- "I was wrong," wrote another reader who initially dreaded leaving The Diamond, adding that CarMax Park "has a vibe that's all Richmond, and I love it!"
- Readers also loved the playground, air-conditioned bar, lounges, clean bathrooms, big bike racks, self-serve beer stands and — specifically — Coors Banquet on draft.
Yes, but: They were much less impressed about the food.
- One said CarMax would be better if "it had a good hotdog."
- Readers also complained about meh burgers, flavorless chicken, perpetually unavailable corn dogs and a "dry ass black bean burger."
- The ice cream was fine, some noted, but offering It's-It ice cream sandwiches only in cappuccino and mint flavors was "diabolical," one reader said.
- Prices were another gripe, with several complaining about the costs of food and beer.
Parking was the other recurring pain point, particularly crossing Arthur Ashe Boulevard and leaving after games.
- One reader described crossing the Boulevard as having to "imperil your own life."
Readers also had some extremely specific requests: Turn down the music so they can talk. Add water bottle filling stations and shade. Sell sausage, pepper and onion sandwiches.
- And one unfortunate fan would like to use the women's restroom "without a mysterious liquid seeping from the ceiling and dripping on me." (Same, girl, same.)
The intrigue: The off-field drama didn't go unnoticed.
- Several readers urged the Squirrels, developers and VCU to end their public feud and get the rest of the Diamond District moving.
- And plenty griped about the development delays, including the "giant mud pit" surrounding the stadium and the still-standing Diamond.
The other side: In a statement, Flying Squirrels general manager Anthony Oppermann said the team plans to use fan feedback to improve on CarMax Park's first season —for 2027 and beyond.
- "Our inaugural season at CarMax Park was truly historic, and we couldn't be more grateful for the support from our fans."
The bottom line: Readers were mostly sold on CarMax Park.
- They'd just like cheaper beer, better food, safer street crossings, more shade, reliable corn dog availability — and zero mystery liquids dripping on them.
- And for Richmond, that counts as a home run.