Kiewiet: Sweet relief. CarMax Park is finally open — here's what it was like.

My first day at the Richmond Times-Dispatch was April 8, 2024 – almost exactly two years before the Richmond Flying Squirrels would play their first home game at CarMax Park.

On my second day at the RTD, I asked John O’Connor something to the tune of, “What’s the deal with the city trying to build a new stadium for the Squirrels?”

I asked this question while passing O’Connor’s desk on my way to the bathroom. Let’s just say I should have waited until I was on my way back.

As I stood before him, clenched and swaying back and forth, O’Connor gave me a full play-by-play, starting in 1985, when The Diamond opened. Context is important.

If you’ve never talked to O’Connor, he speaks the way he writes. By that I mean, he’s direct and to the point. Few, if any, words are used if they do not serve a purpose. Even so, by the time he described each twist and turn of the saga, about 15 or 20 minutes had elapsed.

From the rat infestation and falling concrete chunks to failed proposal after failed proposal – all necessary components in telling the story – O’Connor remembered every detail. He’s lived it, seen it and reported on it.

The story concluded, and I felt like I was going to burst. I can proudly say that, rest assured, I made it to the finish line.

Maybe, subconsciously, this was my strange attempt to empathize with those involved throughout this arduous, decades-long process, like when a man packs on weight during his partner’s pregnancy.

As Richmonders such as O’Connor entered CarMax Park on Tuesday, I can only imagine the sense of relief to finally reach the finish line.

So, where do we go from here? The answer is obvious.

We’ve got to see what this place is all about.

The Flying Squirrels graciously supplied me with a media credential for Tuesday’s opener at CarMax Park. I had to see if everything they’ve touted – bathrooms included – was worth the wait.

Entry

Getting into the stadium was a breeze. The staff was friendly and eager to help folks get to where they were going. The concourse was fairly congested pregame, but that’s to be expected with a sellout crowd searching for their seats while acclimating to the new space.

Grade: A

Accessibility

This was worlds better than The Diamond and great by any standards. There are precisely eight gradual steps to climb upon entry, instead of the 30-plus steep stairs required for entry at The Diamond. If you're unable to use stairs, there are ramps-a-plenty around the stadium — wide ones at that. 

Grade: A

Views

I can’t bring myself to dole out anything but a passing grade when I can see baseball being played. However, The Diamond is still an eyesore and darn-near impossible to ignore. Brightside is that there’s a path toward improvement. We'll see what the completed Diamond District brings in the years to come. 

Grade: C-

Concessions lines

Lines were long before first pitch. I hoped that the crowds would thin out a bit after the game started. Those hopes were not realized. 

The most important question we must answer is: If I leave my seat after the third out of a half-inning, how much baseball will I miss by getting up to grab a soda and a hot dog?

Answer? A lot. Specialty stands like Kona shaved ice had little to no wait. However, if you wanted food from one of the vendors selling ballpark staples like beer, hot dogs, nachos and peanuts, a serious time commitment was required. Patrons in line at 'Chos estimated a 20-minute wait to get to the front. Customers in line at RVA BGR said they'd been waiting over 30 minutes. 

Hopefully, things improve.

Grade: C-

Room to roam

I wouldn't say getting around was effortless, but it wasn't cumbersome. I was able to walk around the entire 360-degree concourse in just under 10 minutes. Long lines at concession stands seemed to be the main culprit for congested walkways. If there is a solution to that problem, this space will open up. 

Grade: B

The Backstop

I didn't know about this area until I arrived, but I liked it so much I had to include it. This cafeteria-style seating area, equipped with a bar, couches, two televisions and a Dippin' Dots stand, was, in my opinion, a cool idea. It seemed perfect for multiple groups of friends who attended the game separately to meet up and enjoy some refreshments together. No one else seemed to care, though. I hardly saw anyone using this space. Maybe it'll catch on.

Grade: B+

Bathrooms

The primary objective is the same as grabbing food. Can I get to the bathroom and back to my seat without missing any baseball? Check.

However, there are a few more boxes to check. In an ideal world, I’d also like to feel clean. If a bathroom is up to snuff, I should forget that I was just in the bathroom within a minute of returning to my seat. If the bathroom left an impression that lingers longer than 60 seconds, we might need to have a difficult conversation. Good news, my trip to the bathroom was by far the least memorable part of the evening.

Grade: A