Fast Facts
Founded: 1993
Inaugural Season: 1993
Joined USL League One: 2019 (founding member)
Location: Richmond, VA
MSA and 2020 Population (Rank): Richmond, 1,314,434 (44th)
Stadium: City Stadium
Capacity: 6,000
Owners: 22 Holdings LLC
Manager: Darren Sawatzky
Nickname: Roos
Club Website: richmondkickers.com
Kits
Home: Green/White
Away: White/Blue
Third: Red/White, Gray/Rainbow
History
One of the oldest continuously operated active soccer clubs in the United States, and certainly the oldest in USL-1, the Kickers were founded and began play in 1993. The Roos started in the USISL (now USL-1), before self-relegating to USISL Premier (now USL-2) in 1994. In 1995 they not only won the Premier championship, but also the US Open Cup in the last year before MLS teams joined.
The Kickers would go on to spend ten years in the second division USISL/A-League, before returning to the third division USL-2/Pro for 11 years. In 2017, Richmond rejoined the second tier, but self-relegated to USL-1 in 2019 to become a founding member of the newly formed league.
Richmond Kickers play home matches at the 6,000 capacity City Stadium. The stadium’s official capacity is 21,000, but the west grandstand has been closed for several years. The club has experienced consistent average fan numbers having not dropped below 2,000 since 1997, pandemic season 2020 aside. The final match of the 2022 1st place season saw a capacity crowd for the first time in five years.
City Stadium and Richmond Visitor’s Guide
City Stadium is located in the Stadium district of Richmond, which is just south of a vibrant retail and dining district, Carytown. If you are looking for pre-game spots, Carytown is going to be your best bet. From the stadium, walk north for nine blocks on Freeman Road until you reach West Cary Street. The nine blocks are short blocks, so it is only about a six minute walk from the stadium.
You don’t even need to wander too far in Carytown to find solid dining and drink options. If you turn left on West Cary Street, we recommend Carytown Burgers & Fries for casual and East Coast Provisions for something a bit nicer. If you turn right, we recommend RVA Draft House or Galaxy Diner.
City Stadium offers free parking for all ticket holders. Keep in mind that traffic can back up for matches expected to draw 4,000 or more, which has been happening for most matches with nicer weather, towards the end of the season, US Open Cup and of course, playoffs. Just account for backups by arriving earlier or leaving home 15 minutes earlier if you plan to arrive closer to kickoff.
