Stadium Opponents Launch Their Own Media Campaign

For at least the next month, electronic billboards on Interstates 64, 95 and 195 will carry messages directed at City Council members as they consider Mayor Dwight Jones’ proposal to locate a ballpark in Shockoe Bottom.

Funded by opponents, the three billboards say “No Shockoe Stadium” in all caps, followed by a note: “Dear council, we are watching — your voters.”

Activist Farid Alan Schintzius said he helped organize the campaign, which was funded by private donations totaling about $2,000. This weekend he launched an online fundraising campaign he said will fund the next month’s rent. So far it’s raised an additional $100.

Venture Richmond, a nonprofit with the mission of promoting downtown, has bankrolled its own pro-stadium campaign, LovingRVA, which includes billboards, newspaper advertisements, a website, and most recently, a team of 10 paid canvassers.

Late last month, Venture Richmond’s director, Jack Berry, said the group had spent a total of $32,500 on the campaign.

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