Parney sits down with Brad Bartholomew, National Design Director at LaBella, alongside Richmond Flying Squirrels COO Ben Rothrock, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to design and build the sports venues fans love.

Brad shares the story behind CarMax Park, from the extensive planning, sun studies and site research to the design decisions that helped create a brand-new ballpark while preserving the character of the Diamond. He also takes listeners inside some of his other projects, including Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Real Madrid’s stadium, NHL and NBA venues, collegiate facilities, and more.

The conversation explores the evolution of sports venue design, the challenges of renovating existing stadiums, creating flexible spaces for multiple sports, and how architecture and development can shape the entire fan experience.

A fascinating look at the people, planning and creativity behind the stadiums and sports spaces we all love.

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd “Parney” Parnell sits down with longtime minor league baseball legend and mentor Chucky Domino for a hilarious trip through the wild old days of minor league baseball. From outrageous promotions and unforgettable characters like Tiny Tim and Captain Dynamite to the lessons that shaped Parney’s career, Chucky shares stories from more than 40 years in the game.

At the heart of the conversation is a shared belief that baseball has always been about the fans, doing whatever it takes to fill the seats, create an experience, and give the community a reason to come back.

A must-listen for anyone who loves minor league baseball, crazy promotions, baseball history, and the stories behind the people who built the game.

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really goes into putting on a day of horse racing? Parney sits down with Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the sport, the business, and everything that happens before the horses hit the track.

Frank shares his unlikely journey into horse racing, how a love of the sport turned into a 24-year career, and what it takes to keep a major racetrack running — from track conditions and surface changes to jockeys, horsemen, regulators, wagering, and the fan experience.

The conversation also dives into the evolution of sports betting and off-track wagering, some of the craziest bets Frank has seen, and the hilarious story of a bettor who turned a $10 bet into a $140,000 payday — and came to the bank to collect before the money was even ready.

Plus, Frank and Parney discuss:

• The ins and outs of race-day operations
• How decisions are made when weather impacts the track
• The growth and evolution of Colonial Downs
• The impact of online and off-track betting on horse racing
• Favorite horses, jockeys, tracks, and horse names
• The Virginia Derby and major racing events
• The most important lessons Frank has learned throughout his career
• What makes horse racing such a unique fan experience
• Plenty of wild betting and racing stories

Whether you're a longtime horse racing fan or know very little about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a fun look inside one of Virginia's most unique sports and entertainment businesses.

Visit Colonial Downs Racetrack!

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.