Flights, Festivals and Foot Traffic: A Big Week for Richmond’s Economy

It has been a busy and economically significant week for Richmond, with new air service, a major venue debut and a Broadway production drawing crowds downtown.

New Nonstop Flights Take Off

Richmond International Airport marked a milestone Thursday as new nonstop JetBlue service to San Juan, Puerto Rico officially began on March 26. The route operates three times a week and is expected to boost both outbound leisure travel and inbound tourism.

Airport leaders have long targeted expanded nonstop service as a driver of regional growth. Direct Caribbean access strengthens Richmond’s competitive position among mid-sized East Coast airports and could generate additional passenger traffic, hospitality bookings and related spending.

CarMax Park Opens with First Major Concert

Across town, the new CarMax Park welcomed ticket holders Thursday night for its first large-scale concert event. The Taking Flight Festival served as an early showcase for the Flying Squirrels’ new stadium, ahead of the team’s April home opener.

City officials and team executives have described the ballpark as a year-round economic engine. Beyond baseball, concerts and special events are expected to drive foot traffic to surrounding businesses and support ongoing development in the area.

Broadway Run Brings Downtown Crowds

Meanwhile, the national tour of The Outsiders opened at the Altria Theatre this week, running March 24 through March 29. The production is part of the 2025-26 Broadway in Richmond season and is drawing steady attendance.

Large touring shows typically provide a noticeable lift to restaurants, parking facilities and nearby retailers. With multiple performances scheduled, the weeklong run adds to a strong March for downtown activity.

Together, expanded air service, new entertainment infrastructure and sustained arts programming underscore a broader theme for Richmond in early 2026: strategic investments in transportation and venues are translating into visible economic momentum.

Sources

https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/jetblue-puerto-rico-virginia-dec-4-2025
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/taking-flight-festival-feb-17-2026
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/broadway-in-richmond-25-26-season-feb-27-2025