When it comes to sports, Richmond has a number of teams to support. What we lack in major league teams, we make up for in spirit — our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country. The Squirrels even had the highest attendance across all 30 Double-A teams in 2022.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Richmond sports, whether you’re already a devoted fan or you’re new to the area.

⚾️ Richmond Flying Squirrels (MiLB) | Est. 2010

The Squirrels came to Richmond over a decade ago, bringing baseball back to the River City following the Braves' departure in 2008. Since then, the Eastern League team has become known for its healthy attendance, promotional giveaways, fireworks, and — more recently — culinary innovations.

Where they play: The Diamond

Built in 1985 as a new home for the Braves
Seating capacity of 9,560 for Squirrels games
The Squirrels should begin play at CarMax Park in 2026

Mascot: Nutzy and Nutasha

Two young, enthusiastic squirrels sporting red and pink capes, respectively
Nutzy is often found at community events around the city, whether he's rappelling down a building or Sham-rocking the Block.
Nutasha was introduced in 2016; her name was chosen by fan vote.

Team colors: Red, black, gray, white

Do not share the colors of their affiliate team, the San Francisco Giants — orange, black, beige, and gold
As their Copa de la Diversión alter ego the Ardillas Voladoras, the team wears blue and green
Shop for merch

Major accomplishments:

The 2022 Squirrels won the 2022 Eastern League Southwest Division First-Half Championship.
Sean Roby hit 25 home runs in the 2022 season, setting a team record.
Opening night at The Diamond has been a sell-out crowd for 14 seasons running.

See the team’s schedule.

⚽️ Richmond Kickers (USL League One) | Est. 1993

Up the Roos this season at City Stadium. | Photo by Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

The longest continuously-running professional soccer club in the country, the Kickers have been the pride of the River City for three decades. In that time they've hopped from league to league, landing in USL League One in 2019.

Where they play: City Stadium

Opened in 1929, Kickers began playing there in 1995
Seating capacity of 6,000
Recently renovated to include sky decks, group boxes, and a party patio

Mascot: Kickeroo

A fuzzy kangaroo sporting a soccer jersey and plenty of sass
Likes: throwing mini soccer balls into the stands, staying cool, encouraging the Red Army

Team colors: Red and white

Changed their colors from green and blue in 2001
Redesigned logo for 20th anniversary
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Major accomplishments:

Won the regular season title in 2006, 2007, 2013, and 2022
Won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1995

See the team's schedule.

⚽️ Richmond Ivy Soccer Club (USL W League) | Est. 2024

Kanna Matsuhisa was a standout player during the Ivy's inaugural season. | Photo by Jessica Stone Hendricks

The Kickers announced the return of pre-professional women’s soccer in July 2023. The Ivy's inaugural season started in front of a sell-out crowd in May 2024.

Where they play: City Stadium

In their first season, the Ivy hosted 28,866 total fans at City
Averaged 4,811 fans per match

Team colors: Green and orange

Takes inspiration from the twisting vines that can be found throughout the River City
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See the team's schedule.

🏀 VCU Basketball (NCAA)

The Rams will play at least 15 games on national TV this season. | Photo by Logan Whitton via VCU Athletics

Virginia Commonwealth University has had a men's basketball team since 1968 and a women's basketball team since 1974. Cheered on by the rowdy student section and enthusiastic Peppas pep band, the Rams are a formidable organization in the Atlantic 10 conference.

Where they play: Siegel Center

Nicknamed "The Stu"
Capacity of 7,637

Mascot: Rodney the Ram

The Ram suit has changed over the years, but the passion for hoops hasn't.
Has been known to socialize with Nutzy and Nutasha

Team colors: Black and gold

Typically they wear white jerseys at home games and black jerseys on the road
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Major accomplishments:

MBB made the Final Four of the NCAA tournament in 2011
MBB won conference tournament in 2023, 2015, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2004
WBB won conference tournament in 2021

See the men's and women's schedules.

🏀 UR Basketball (NCAA)

The Spiders are undefeated at home this season. | Photo by Logan Whitton via Spider Athletics

The University of Richmond has had a men's basketball team since 1913 and a women's basketball team since 1919. In the 1980s, the men's team became known as a "giant killer" after several wins knocked out tournament favorites.

Where they play: Robins Center

Opened in 1972, renovated in 2014 and seats 7,201 people
Young fans can join the Spider Kids Club for fun activities during the season
Consult the driving and parking directions to get to games

Mascot: WebstUR

UR started phasing out the informal mascot Spidey in 2011. Fun fact: The change came because "Spidey" is a trademark of Marvel Entertainment LLC, so it couldn't be used in licensed merchandise.
UR wasn't known as the Spiders until 1894 — before that, they went by the Colts.
Only university in the country with a Spider as a mascot

Team colors: Red and blue

Typically they wear white jerseys at home games and blue with red accents on the road
Shop for merch

Major accomplishments:

MBB reached Sweet Sixteen of NCAA tournament in 1988, 2011
MBB won conference tournament in 2011, 2022
WBB won conference tournament in 1990, 1991, 2024

See the men's and women's schedules.

🛼 River City Roller Derby (WFTDA) | Est. 2006

River City Roller Derby has roots in Richmond from 2006. | Photo by Joseph S. Ring

Take your sports fandom off the court or field and onto the flat track by going all in on River City Roller Derby. In 2018, the league grew to two teams, the Riots and the River Rats. Brush up on the basics of the sport.

Where they play: Greater Richmond Convention Center

You can also spot River City Roller Derby at community events like First Fridays in the Arts District.
Keep updated on events and news on Instagram or Facebook

Team colors: Black and green

Sport the colors yourself by joining as a new skater, transfer, or referee.
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Major accomplishments:

Became member league of WFTDA in 2009, expanded to two fully-rostered teams in 2018
In 2023, several skaters took on the Capital Trail — that's 52 miles — on skates.

Check the Bruiseletter for upcoming events.