CarMax Park will undergo its most dramatic transformation as 804Live unveils WINTERWORLD, a new immersive holiday destination that will reimagine the region’s premier sports and entertainment venue as a one-of-a-kind seasonal attraction designed to draw tens of thousands of visitors from across Virginia and beyond.
A Holiday Destination Takes Shape
Opening November 18 and continuing through January 3, WINTERWORLD will transform nearly every corner of CarMax Park into a winter destination featuring a stadium-wide holiday lighting display, a 12,500 square foot outdoor ice-skating rink, a six-lane ice slide, a 60 foot Ferris wheel, a holiday retail village, seasonal food and beverage selections, snowball pitching, a 21-and-older lounge, the tallest Christmas tree in Richmond, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. From the moment a guest enters the front gates, CarMax Park will be transformed by the sights and sounds of an immersive holiday destination unlike anything previously experienced in Richmond.
A Year-Round Vision for CarMax Park
“CarMax Park was always envisioned to be a year-round destination for the Richmond community,” said Chris Yancey, President of 804Live. “With WINTERWORLD, our goal is to completely transform the venue into an immersive, holiday-themed experience for the entire family. We hope guests will create lasting memories, celebrate seasonal traditions, and make WINTERWORLD part of their holiday celebrations for years to come.”
Following the successful opening of CarMax Park, 804Live developed WINTERWORLD as part of its long-term vision to establish the venue as a year-round destination throughout the calendar year with large-scale festivals, entertainment experiences, and community events that complement the Richmond Flying Squirrels season.
WINTERWORLD represents a multimillion-dollar investment in the future of CarMax Park as a true year-round entertainment destination. The festival is expected to create seasonal jobs, attract visitors from throughout the region, and generate significant economic activity for Richmond-area hotels, restaurants, and local businesses, reinforcing the venue’s role as an economic and community asset well beyond baseball season.
“WINTERWORLD is much more than a holiday festival,” said Lou DiBella, managing general partner of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. “It’s about creating a new Christmastime tradition for our neighbors and the entire greater Richmond area, providing a reason for people to visit Richmond during the holidays, supporting our local economy and giving families a place to build traditions for generations to come.”
Organizers expect WINTERWORLD to welcome more than 75,000 visitors during its inaugural season, drawing guests from across Virginia and neighboring states while supporting local tourism, hospitality, and retail businesses. Envisioned as an annual tradition, WINTERWORLD is expected to continue expanding in future years with new experiences, programming, and community partnerships.
WINTERWORLD is excited to partner with SERVPRO to bring the magic of the holidays alive at CarMax Park. With the help of partners like SERVPRO, CarMax park will become a gathering place for Richmond, bringing the community together to create new holiday traditions.
“At SERVPRO, we believe in investing in the communities we serve, and there’s no better example of that than WINTERWORLD. Projects like this don’t just bring people together, they bring business to our neighbors, energy to our downtown, and pride to our hometown. Andrew Bahen Jr., chief strategy officer of SERVPRO, said, “We’re honored to stand behind WINTERWORLD, and we can’t wait to see Richmond families make memories here this winter.”
Making the Magic Accessible
Accessibility has been a guiding principle in the development of WINTERWORLD, with organizers committed to ensuring families across the Richmond region have the opportunity to experience it.
“WINTERWORLD is being built for the entire Richmond community,” DiBella said. “We’re committing to partner with non-profit organizations to provide 5,000 complimentary tickets because we believe every family should have the opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays.”
Additional information, including ticket pricing, themed programming, entertainment, special events, and New Year’s Eve celebrations will be announced throughout the summer and fall. A ticket presale is planned for August, with public ticket sales expected to begin in September.
For more information, visit www.winterworldrva.com.
About 804Live
804Live services public and private events for up to 14,000 people held at CarMax Park in Richmond, Va. 804Live is devoted to making CarMax Park a premier destination for locals and visitors in the Richmond region by making the facility a year-round entertainment venue. With an abundance of hospitality areas and unique spaces, 804Live can create unforgettable experiences for any event.
