The Diamond
Parker Field
Discussions of new stadium
Questions and Answers on the New Stadium at Parker Field
A Case for a New Stadium for the Richmond Area
Projected Attendance for New Parker Field Stadium
Architecture
Finances
City of Richmond and counties of Henrico and Chesterfield
RMA Financial reports
Fundraising
Superbox $250,000 use for 10 years, 10 season tickets for baseball, 2 parking passes, admissions to other stadium events, paid utilities, paid cleaning service, decorated by tenant
The Great Diamond Giveaway
Wall of Fame
$4 million to be raised by public – as of June 10, 1987, $4,278,432 raised by 678 donors plus fund-raising efforts. Reached $4 million in August of 1985.
Naming
Include letter suggesting name (11/84)
Dr. William H. Parker
Frank Soden
Tommie Aaron
Marketing items
Finnegan & Agee
Diamonds Aren’t Forever poster
Let’s Pitch In To Build A New Ballpark.
Buttons sold at Central Fidelity Bank, C.P. Dean, Easco Photo, East Coast Gas,
Shoney’s, Bill’s Barbecue
Ballpark Special – donations from items sold
For Baseball like you’ve never seen it, give The Diamond a ring.
Opening
Post-Opening
Cover photo of 1986 Great Minor League Baseball Parks Calendar (Baseball America)
RMA minutes of meetings
1985 IL All-Star Game
Superbox Tenants (as of April 5, 1985)
Right Field
1 UVB ½
Universal Leaf ¼
Wheat First Securities ¼
2 A.H. Robins
3 Ukrop’s
4 Ethyl
5 Braves VIP Box
Left Field
6 First Va Bank-Colonial ¼
Best Products ¼
Massey Wood & West ¼
Life of Virginia ¼
7Investors Savings & Loan ½
Available½
8CSX Corporation ½
Sovran Bank ½
9 Reynold’s Metals 1/3
Eskimo Pie 1/3
Robertshaw Controls 1/3
10 Philip Morris
11 Hunton Williams ¼
James River Corporation ¼
Owens & Minor ¼
CF Sauer ¼
12Mid-Atlantic Coke ½
Brown Distributing ½
13 Available
Timeline
8/8/79 Report on Multipurpose Stadium for Metropolitan Richmond area
9/30/82 Report on Physical and Structural Condition of Parker Field
Oct. and Nov. 1982 discussion of Parker Field
12/8/82 Budget for replacing Parker Field
3/14/83 Report for repairs and alterations to Parker Field estimated at $1.5 million
Spring/83 Stadium Committee formed at request of Chamber of Commerce
9/20/83 Meeting with Richmond Area Business Leaders to present progress report on new stadium
9/83 Research report on perceived need for new stadium and whether residents feel his/her local government should support
1/30/84 Attendance and revenue projections for new Parker Field Stadium
3/29/84 Announcement of new stadium in front of main gates at Parker Field
early 1984 Formation of Stadium Operating Committee
7/1/84Effective date RMA authorized by General Assembly to acquire land, construct and own an athletic stadium and lease such land, stadium and attendant facilities
7/2/84 Press conference at Parker Field to announce two-month campaign for 100 retail outlets offering portion of sales going to new ballpark, Diamonds Aren’t Forever poster unveiled
7/24/84 design contract awarded to Baskervill and Son, building contract awarded to McDevitt and Street
8/31/84 Last game at Parker Field, Friday, finished at 10:40 EDT
10/28/84 Appeal to public for name suggestions
11/84 Letter suggesting name
12/17/84or 12/18/84Announcement of name
4/17/85 First game (Diamond is birthstone for April)
First pitch: Steve Shields, pitcher, Larry Owens, catcher, Mike Sharperson, hitter (ball)
6/14/85 Dedication of The Diamond
First game at Parker Field 4/20/54
First and last lists in Richmond Braves 1985 game program
Find list of Diamond firsts
City of RichmondCity Council
Roy A. West, Mayor
Mrs. Claudette Black McDaniel, Vice Mayor
Andrew J. Gillespie
Walter T. Kenney
William J. Leidinger
Henry L. Marsh, III
Henry W. Richardson
Mrs. Carolyn C. Wake
Mrs. Geline B. Williams
Manual Deese, City Manager
Henrico CountyBoard of Supervisors
John A. Waldrop, Jr., Chairman
David A. Kaechele, Vice Chairman
Anthony P. Mehfoud
John B. Mckenney, Jr.
L. Ray Shadwell, Jr.
William F. LaVecchia, CountyManager
ChesterfieldCountyBoard of Supervisors
Harry G. Daniel, Chairman
Geoffrey H. Applegate, Vice Chairman
Joan Girone
R. Garland Dodd
Jessee J. Mayes
Richard L. Hedrick, CountyAdministrator
Richmond Metropolitan Authority Board of Directors
James L. Jenkins, Chairman
William A. Thornton, Vice Chairman
W. Brooks George
Read F. Goode
David K. Hunt
Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt
Reginald H. Nelson, IV
Robert A. Quicke
Mrs. Virginia Ritchie
Lawrence D. Smith, Sr.
Archer L. Yeatts, Jr.
Stadium Operating Committee
Richard A. Hollander, Chairman
Daniel W. Allen (Assistant City Manager of Richmond)
*Richard L. Andersen (Richmond Braves General Manager)
George W. Cheadle (RMA General Manager)
*Frederick T. Cooper
Robert J. Dahlstedt (Director of Planning of HenricoCounty)
Harry G. Daniel (ChesterfieldCountyBoard of Supervisors Chairman)
*Beverly Dew
Elmer C. Hodge (Assistant CountyAdministrator of Chesterfield)
William J. Leidinger (Richmond City Council member)
Lee A. Putney
Robert S. Ukrop
John A. Waldrop, Jr. (Henrico CountyBoard of Supervisors Chairman)
Andrew M. Dreelin, III
Gilbert O. Nicholson, Jr.
Douglas R. Maxwell
*not on original committee
General Contractor – McDevitt & Street Company
Architect – Baskervill & Son
Structural Engineer – Thomas A. Hanson & Associates, Inc.
RMA Representative – Torrence, Dreelin, Farthing & Buford, Inc.
Diamond Trivia (according to 1985 Richmond Braves Media Guide)
The first footer was poured on Sept. 12, 1984.
Construction for The Diamond took place in 226 days.
It took 4,000 man hours per week, or 128,000 total man hours to complete the construction.
The Diamond consists of 12 million pounds or 8,000 yards of precast cement.
One roof riser weighs 32 tons.
One of the 16 outer”Y”-shaped supports weighs 55 tons.
The price tag exceeded $8 million.
There are 3,205 box seats, 2,198 reserved seats and 7,097 general admission seats in The Diamond. (12,500 total seats)
The last row of general admission seats is 75 feet off the ground or 7.5 stories high.
Tommie Aaron Training Facilities
Dedicated April 20, 1985
In appreciation of his dedication and professionalism as a renowned Richmond Braves player from 1966 to 1972 and for his outstanding leadership as manager of the Richmond Braves in 1977 and 1978.
William Parker Fountain
Dedicated August 12, 1985
In grateful recognition of Dr. William H. Parker, beloved physician, civic leader, and sportsman. When AAA baseball came to Richmond in 1954, the ballpark was named Parker Field in his honor.
Frank Soden Press Box
Dedicated August 26, 1985
In appreciation of his outstanding and enthusiastic contribution to sportscasting in the Richmond area. His distinguished career as a broadcast journalist has included leadership participation in an incredible number of community activities.
Report dated 8/8/79
Central Richmond Association committee formed to investigate new multi-purpose stadium for city of Richmond changed to general Richmond Metropolitan Area working committee – combined Richmond, Chesterfield County and Henrico County Stadium Committee.
14 sites in the city of Richmond and five sites each from Chesterfield and Henrico.
The committee recommended Parker Field as site (north of Coliseum was second) and recommended 30.000-seat stadium designed to be expandable to 40,000 to be used for football, baseball and soccer as well as concerts and outdoor exhibitions. Estimated annual attendance would be near 600,000 in the first few years. Estimated cost would be between $12 and $14 million. Annual maintenance costs would be between $175,000 and $200,000.
The stadium would have hosted football for UR (I-A at the time), VUU, high schools, Tobacco Bowl, Gold Bowl, All-Star game and professional exhibition; baseball for Braves, exhibitions, college and high school; soccer, track meets and concerts.
Previous Stadium Studies
1974 – Stadium feasibility study by Richmond Regional Planning District
1975 – Stadium feasibility study by Metropolitan Richmond Chamber of Commerce
1978 – Improvements to Richmond Municipal Stadium by City of Richmond
1978 – Preliminary general specifications for a new stadium
CRA Stadium Location Committee
Chuck Boone
Stadium Committee formed in spring of 1983
Concluded that $20 million multipurpose stadium was not viable approach
Focus on top-notch sports facility at current Parker Field site (primarily for baseball)
Sept. 1983 survey by the Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc
Is Richmond Area perceived to need Parker Field type stadium
Does resident feel his/her government should support stadium effort
1/30/84
Report of attendance and revenue projections for new Parker Field Stadium for Metropolitan Richmond Stadium Committee by Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
Parker Field attendance
1975 68,348
1979 159,864
1980 187,462 17.3% increase
1981 218,208 16.4% increase
1982 255,864 17.3% increase
1983 300,896 17.6% increase
Projected initial-year attendance to range from 5,600 to 6,000, decline to 4,600 to 5,400 after 3 or 4 years, reach 5,000 to 5,700 by 1995.
According to Richmond Times-Dispatch published 6/7/09
Richmond Braves Home Attendance (since IL expanded from 10 to 14 for 1998)
YearRank in ILAverageTeam record
2008144,45463-78
2007124,94577-64
2006124,73157-86
2005106,01456-88
2004106,25079-62
200377,09364-79
2002106,56575-67
200186,57468-76
200076,94651-92
199947,48164-78
199847,44064-80
Richmond Flying Squirrels averaged 6,626 in 2010, #18 in minor league baseball and #2 among Double-A affiliates.
The Gwinnett Braves averaged 4,817 and ranked #13 of 14 IL franchises.
Richmond Braves home attendance (RTD 4/16/85)
1966234,005
1967264,814
1968151,617
196980,477
1970120,928
1971112,675
197284,231
197372,156
197493,679
197568,348
1976109,636
1977185,628
1978202,106
1979159,864
1980187,462
1981218,208
1982255,874
1983253,328
1984165,187
Total: 3,060,493 (161,079 average)
Tentative Time Schedule
RMA/Parker Field Project
May 14, 1984
PF – Parker Field
EC – the Evaluation Committee
SOC – the Stadium Operating Committee
Richmond – the City of Richmond
Henrico – the County of Henrico
Chesterfield – the County of Chesterfield
RMA – the Richmond Metropolitan Authority
Banks – the financing bank group
Braves – the Richmond Braves baseball club
May 14 – PF Design-Build Request for Proposals (RFP) is made available to prospective bidders
May 22 – RMA Board adopts a resolution appointing the EC and requesting the EC to review, evaluate and make appropriate recommendations with respect to PF Design-Build proposals received
May 30 – Pre-proposal meeting of potential bidders at PF to inspect the site
May-June 30 – (a) Private sector fund raising; (b) development of financing package; (c) negotiations with the Braves on a new lease (including negotiations with concessionaires if they are not contracted for by the Braves)
June 11 – Richmond City Council: first reading of ordinance containing deed of the PF property to RMA
June 18 – Publication of first notice of RMA public hearing on the issuance of bonds to finance the PF project (as required by federal tax law and Virginia Industrial Development Bond law)
June 19 – Publication of RMA RFP soliciting proposals from engineering/architectural firms to assist it in overseeing construction of the PF project (as required by the Virginia Public Procurement Act). Publication of the RMA RFP soliciting bond counsel proposals.
June 25 – Publication of second notice of RMA public hearing on the issuance of boncs to finance the PF project.
June 25 – Richmond City Council: second reading and adoption of ordinance containing deed of the PF property to RMA
June 26 – Cut-off date for receipt of proposals by the EC in response to the Design-Build RFP
June 26 – Notice of special meeting of the RMA Board to be held on July 2 is sent out
June 28 – Evaluation by the EC of proposals received in response to the Design/Build RFP
June 29 – Cut-off date for receipt of all proposals to serve as RMA engineering/architectural “overseer” for the PF project and to serve as bond counsel
July 2 – RMA Board meeting at which the following actions are taken by the RMA Board:
(a)Public hearing is held on the RMA bond issuance
(b)Bond authorization resolution is adopted
(c)Deed of the PF property is accepted
(d)Number of proposers responding to the Design-Build RFP is narrowed down to three
(e)Adoption of a resolution setting forth the composition, powers and duties of the SOC and its relationship to the RMA Board
(f)Selection of RMA engineering/architectural “overseer” for the PF project
(g)Selection of bond counsel
(h)Approval of draft bond documents
(i)Approval of moral obligation contract supporting the bonds
July 9 – EC holds contract development meetings with the three top bidders (talks designed to answer any questions about proposals made and to further refine the proposals)
July 9 – Richmond City Council:
(a)adopts a resolution approving the issuance by RMA of its PF bonds
(b)first reading of moral obligation contract supporting the bonds
July 11 – Henrico and Chesterfield Boards of Supervisors: each adopt the moral obligation contract supporting the RMA PF bonds
July 17 – RMA regular meeting: Cost proposals on the Design-Build RFP are opened and RMA Board (with the assistance of the EC) chooses and announces the winning bidder
July 20 – RMA staff (with the assistance of the EC) holds talks with the winning bidder to put any finishing touches on the construction contract and to discuss project scheduling
July 20 – Notice of special meeting of the RMA Board to be held on July 24 is sent out
July 23 – Richmond City Council: second reading and adoption of moral obligation contract supporting the RMA PF bonds
July 24 – RMA Board meeting at which the following actions are taken:
(a)[all corporate pledges and gifts have been received and, as necessary, are ready to be funded out by commitment of the Banks]
(b)Lease with the Braves is signed by the Braves and the RMA
(c)Moral obligation contract supporting the RMA PF bonds is signed by all parties
(d)Bond documents are executed and RMA PF bonds are issued [NB: if RMA does not issue its bonds on July 24, can it enter into a design-build contract on that date – which it must do in order to have the PF project completed on time? Possible solution: if bonds cannot be issued by July 24, see if RMA can contract with the winning bidder to pay only for work done and materials ordered (not to exceed a fixed amount) through Septenber 1, 1984, with no further liability and no duty to proceed unless the bonds are issued and notice to proceed is given by that date. The three political jurisdictions would then have to agree (probably as a part of their moral obligation contracts) to fund such amount if the bonds were not issued. Bidders should be notified in early June if this change is contemplated. Notice could be given by sending out an addendum to the Design-Build RFP.]
(e)Design-Build contract is executed.
July 25 – Detailed design work begins (fast track basis)
September 4 – Demolition at PF begins
April 15, 1985 – New PF ready for occupancy
Richmond Braves and Richmond Virginians Top Ten attendance marks
1985 368,656
1983 293,328
1967 264,814
1957 258,861
1982 255,874
1966 234,005
1954 223,981
1959 220,198
1981 218,208
1956 214,533
(8/14/85 edition of Richmond News Leader)
Tom Haudricourt article 4/16/85 supplement
“This just doesn’t happen everywhere,” said Andersen. “I’ll treasure this experience for the rest of my life. It’s a monument to the dedication of all the people who worked to put it together.”
“I walked out on the field the other day and took a look at what has been done,” said Hollander, “I could only look at it and say, ‘My God, did we really do this?”
Spring 1983
City wanted Braves to build the stadium. Braves said it was the city’s obligation.
Team was close to leaving
Andersen convinced Moffatt & Chamber of importance of baseball
Moffatt & Andersen went to Atlanta to talk with Sanders.
SOC formed
Fall & winter 1983-84
Governments commit
Richmond committed first
Henrico & Chesterfield came on board
Summer 1984-Spring 1985
Private sector funds
Design, construction
Bill Millsaps
Richard 32-year old GM
Two years of calling attention to deplorable conditions at PF
Speech to civic club: PF is not safe
JOC
Will stadium inherit Parker character (s)?
History of baseball in Richmond
1884 Richmond in AA
Various teams, ballpark locations
Crowded clubhouse
March 1983 presentation to Chamber
Bill Deekens
2/18/85
Hurdles through the process
Team almost left
Deficit reduction act, limited the amount of revenue bonds that could be issued by any locality. Chesterfield had given up its quota. Reps of General Assembly talked to Gov. Charles S. Robb to see if state had some bonds that could be allocated to Chesterfield.
11-hour non-stop meeting on Aug. 31 Charles Sanders, Doug Maxwell (RMA’s attorney), Andersen, Dan Allen (Richmond’s assistant city manager). Lease had to be signed so demolition of PF could start the next day
July 2, 1984 press conference by fund-raising committee to announce community to ‘pitch in’ to help build new ballpark.
Shelley Rolfe RTC11/27/85
The column also invoked memories of three decades ago, when a group of public-spirited people banded together to form Greater Richmond Civic Recreation Corp. to sell $360,000 for the conversion of Parker Field into a home for a new Richmond International League team.
The recounting of what happened in 1954 had caught Ukrop’s attention when he was cleaning his desk. He wished he had known more about it when he embarked on the Diamond project.
A knowledge of history, Ukrop said, always is instructive. He wished some of the leading players in GRCR had left memoirs. Only one of them is alive, Dr. Ed Haddock, who was mahor in 1954. Haddock, Ukrop said, has put together a memoir, a 16 mm film on Parker Field’s formative days.
Ukrop wondered if the GRCR fund-raisers had ‘bitten their fingernails’ as he had done. Emphatically, yes. Ukrop began articulating a philosophy. “Life is a series of crises,” he said. “You finish college. You settle down at work. You get married. At each stop, you figure it’s going to get easier/” And there always is a fresh hurdle to surmount.
Jennings Culley 4/18/85
The Diamond will stand as the House That Community Spirit Built.
7/5/84 Editorial
Into the Windup
August deadline for committed funds
Having a Triple A baseball franchise, especially a quality operation like the Atlanta Braves’, is a precious asset for the metropolitan area.
There are also the intangibles associated with having a regular source of wholesome family entertainment and having Richmond’s name circulated widely as an International League member.
So, go government. Go private enterprise. Go fans. GO TEAM!
7/3/84
Bill Millsaps column
Fastballs mark Stadium’s ‘pitch’
Fenton Hord, president of Eskimo Pie Corp., announced the start of a two-month campaign that involves 100 local retail outlets, all of which will earmark portions of the sale of certain products for the new ball park. Then there will be “I’m Pitching In To Build a New Ball Park” buttons; they’ll sell for $10 and the money will go into the stadium construction fund. The goal is to raise $500,000 from those efforts, Hord said.
Jan. 1, 1985 RTD
City, counties cooperating
Paula C. Squires and Frank Green
The grandstands, sky boxes and dugouts at the Diamond (old Parker Field) will embody a spirit of regional cooperation that flourished in the Richmond metropolitan area in 1984.
8/30/84 NL
Lawyer may seek to prevent start of stadium work
City manager Manuel Deese decided not to hire minority subcontractor to do part of the job