Plus, Shyndigz boutique hotel on the way
 
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49º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.
 

Help us kick off the training camp speculations

What’s the future for the Commanders training camp?
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The training facility is close to Scott’s Addition and the upcoming Diamond District. | Photo by RICtoday
Ten years ago, professional football came to Richmond in the form of a training facility for the Washington team, then known as the Redskins. The city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) leased the land for 20 years, but the Commanders only agreed to venture south for eight — and now they’re officially not coming back.

The end of the Commanders training camp means taxpayers will have to contribute $700,000 annually until 2033. However, EDA board chair John Molster told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the space is a major development opportunity for the city.

The Bon Secours Training Center currently hosts outdoor events, weddings, and corporate gatherings. In August, it will be the site of the inaugural Iron Blossom Music Festival, relocated from Monroe Park.

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Washington last practiced in Richmond in 2021.

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Photo by Joe Glorioso, All-Pro Reels

Areas for improvement

The facility has run into issues before. There’s only one locker room and limited outdoor lighting, making hosting events like high school sports games a challenge. The shortage of on-site bathrooms is also a problem for larger events like concerts and festivals, requiring the use of portable restrooms.

Improvements are on the table, though. New construction just has to be approved by the state and should be in line with the current use of the property.

Development ideas

Although the next steps for the training facility are further down the road, we can’t help but wonder how Richmond could best use the space. With expanded restrooms, the site’s proximity to Scott’s Addition and the upcoming Diamond District could make it an ideal spot for community events and festivals. The original conception of the facility even included a local food truck market.

We want to know — what are you imagining for the space? Send us your ideas and you could be featured in a future newsletter.
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Sports Backers
 
Events
Wednesday, June 28
  • “Perfect Blue” | Wednesday, June 28 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | See the 1997 anime psychological thriller on the big screen.
Thursday, June 29
  • Flowers After 5: Abrams Bridge | Thursday, June 29 | 5-9 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $0-$17 | The garden meets “Thunder Road” for this night with the Bruce Springsteen tribute band.
Friday, June 30
  • Friday Cheers: Flipturn | Friday, June 30 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Brown’s Island, S. 9th St., Richmond | $10-$15 | Say goodbye to another season of summer concerts with the alt-indie band, plus Holy Roller.
Saturday, July 1
  • Summer Day Party at Richmond Makers Market | Saturday, July 1 | 12-6 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co., 212 W. Sixth St., Richmond | Free | This indoor art market and craft show is pup-friendly and offers eats from Billy Pie and Intergalactic Tacos.
  • Kickers vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC | Saturday, July 1 | 7 p.m. | City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave., Richmond | $16 | The Red, White & Roo Celebration will feature post-match fireworks.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Virginia Physician for Women
 
Holiday

Culture

A unique and supportive way to celebrate the Fourth
Presented by a RICtoday Partner
Newly naturalized citizens take an oath of allegiance during the citizenship ceremony at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
The ceremony is in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and will be officiated by the Honorable Roger L. Gregory, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. | Photo provided by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Spend the Fourth of July experiencing an inspirational ceremony as 75 candidates get sworn in as newly naturalized US citizens at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture at 10:30 a.m.

Following the free ceremony, guests are invited to step outside for a celebration on the Dominion Energy Plaza featuring live music, face painting, a bounce house, and birthday cake to commemorate the anniversary of American independence.

Afterward, check out the museum galleries (hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. that day). Purchase tickets online.
Learn More
News Notes
Coming Soon
  • The owners behind dessert restaurant and market Shyndigz are opening a boutique hotel in the fall. The Dear John hotel will have 19 rooms, a courtyard, and a rooftop lounge. There will also be space for Shyndigz Market to move in and expand. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Traffic
  • The area of Bainbridge Street between 20th and 21st streets should be back open on Saturday, July 1. It’s currently closed to install a High Water Detection System which will provide public alerts of flooded roadways.
Eat
  • Longtime Richmond restaurant Carytown Burgers & Fries is up for sale. The spot currently has two locations in Carytown and Lakeside. Owner Mike Barber is stepping away from the business but is looking for a buyer to continue the brand. (Richmond BizSense)
Development
  • Live in Chesterfield? The county is helping residents keep track of ongoing infrastructure projects with a new online tool. Click around on the Capital Improvement Program Map to track the progress of developments near you.
History
  • The John Marshall Center is officially becoming part of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The VMHC said in the announcement that the merge will include the creation of a new statewide civics education center.
Number
  • $1.5 billion. That’s how much Virginia is set to receive to improve high-speed internet access around the commonwealth. The funds come from federal grants that are part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Read
  • VCU has announced the winner of the 2023 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. Tess Gunty, author of “The Rabbit Hutch,” will receive the prize at a public reading and panel discussion on Thursday, Nov. 16. (VCU News)
Arts
  • The VMFA’s biennial event Fine Arts & Flowers will take place Oct. 23-27, 2024. The museum-wide exhibition of floral designs inspired by art works kicks off with a gala. Tickets will go on sale in May.
Try This
  • Ever had a generator installed or thought to rerun the circuit system in your house? City Editor Robin watched the experts at work with Woodfin – Your Home Team. Whether you’re down to join the team or just need an electrical checkup, they’ve got you covered.*
Active
Travel
  • Dreaming of a trip abroad this summer? Babbel offers lesson plans for 14 different languages spoken throughout the world. Prep for the trip of your dreams with bite-sized, 10-minute lessons that will help you start speaking a new language in just three weeks.*
 
Festival

🎶 We’re telling you something good

Fantasia, Ludacris to play at Richmond Jazz and Music Festival at Maymont
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See Ludacris at the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival this August. | Photo by Eva Rinaldi
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns to Maymont the weekend of August 9-11.

The festival lineup includes Fantasia, Ludacris, and Wyclef Jean, who will serve as artist in residence for the festival. Other performers include St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Monica, Snarky Puppy, Gregory Porter, and Andra Day. Check out the full list of artists — a variety of genres will be represented across two stages.

The schedule has not yet been announced, but tickets are available now. A day pass is $170, or get a weekend pass for $300.
Shop
Looking to support small businesses? Shop our online store, Six & Main, for all of your summer essentials.
Shop now
 
The Wrap
 
Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
If you’re on the hunt for a summer read, check out our list of books by local authors.
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