Braves leaving Richmond Could Arthur Ashe Center and The Diamond be demolished, replaced? |
04/29/08 12:07 AM The Atlanta Braves' Triple-A franchise is leaving The Diamond following this season. What about Connecticut? |
04/24/08 12:50 AM Former Richmond City Manager Robert C. Bobb confirmed yesterday that he's vying to redevelop the North Boulevard area with a new ballpark to replace The Diamond and other uses. |
04/09/08 12:09 AM Two local groups are interested in becoming owners of whatever minor-league baseball team replaces the Braves in Richmond. |
04/09/08 12:09 AM Local investor Bryan Bostic confirmed yesterday that he is part of a group studying the possibility of bringing a new professional baseball franchise to Richmond. |
04/08/08 11:00 PM Even when you're having success -- a lot of it in Jo-Jo Reyes' case -- change can be beneficial. The left-hander went 14-3 last season at three levels, including the major leagues. |
04/01/08 12:07 AM The R-Braves, defending International League champions, open their season Thursday at The Diamond. |
03/24/08 10:00 PM Informal canvassing suggests residents won't cut attendance. |
03/25/08 12:07 AM At least one Richmonder seems optimistic regarding uninterrupted professional baseball here following the Richmond Braves' departure. |
02/01/08 12:09 AM NEWSMAKERS: Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder Richmond Mayor Wilder says the loss of the Braves is hurting his reputation, adding that running a city with a new form of government is more difficult than being governor. |
01/28/08 12:09 AM Richmond could become most populous metro area without baseball. |
01/23/08 12:10 AM Jon Lugbill sees Richmond Sports Backers 's role for venue, team as 'complementary.' |
01/20/08 12:09 AM Youth leagues, charities rely on proceeds from ticket sales, concessions. • Maintenance of The Diamond is pressing for RMA• WOODY: Only hardball will encourage more baseball • SCHAPIRO: Braves, Redskins and Wilder |
Boulevard transformation?
The city is seeking proposals for development of properties near The Diamond as an entertainment complex, including a replacement stadium.
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The Diamond timeline
1985 -- The Diamond (12,134 capacity, cost of $8 million) opens on April 17, replacing Parker Field. The Diamond is operated by the Richmond Metropolitan Authority.
1986 -- The Richmond Braves win their second Governors' Cup (International League championship)
1989 -- The Richmond Braves win their third Governors' Cup.
1994 -- The Richmond Braves win their fourth Governors' Cup.
2000 -- Exterminators are hired to address The Diamond's problem with rats -- some visited the visitors dugout mid-game.
2003 -- A football-size piece of concrete falls from The Diamond's roof into stands during a Sunday game. No one is hurt.
An $18.5-million renovation plan stalls (and eventually is canceled) as developers and the Braves discuss a downtown stadium.
2004 -- Poor field drainage forces game postponements and changes of game venues in August.
2005 -- The Diamond gets a new playing surface, at a cost of $418,000.
2007 -- The Richmond Braves win their fifth Governors' Cup.
The RMA board and the Braves agree on a lease extension through 2010. The Braves can opt out of the lease after each season.
Richmond Mayor Douglas L. Wilder and Atlanta Braves executive Mike Plant meet during an R-Braves playoff game. Wilder characterizes the talks as "very productive."
