Significant Damage to Tropicana Field After Hurricane Milton
St. Petersburg, FL – October 10, 2024
Tropicana Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, has suffered extensive damage following the onslaught of Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Tampa Bay area late Wednesday night. The Category 3 hurricane brought with it fierce winds that resulted in large sections of the stadium’s iconic domed roof being torn off.
Damage Assessment
Images captured in the aftermath reveal severe destruction: the roof flapped violently in the wind, ultimately giving way to the relentless rain. Exposed catwalks and significant portions of the stadium’s interior can now be seen, highlighting the storm’s devastating impact. Reports indicate that damage was evident on all sides of the structure, raising concerns for the future stability of the facility.
Rays’ Response
The Tampa Bay Rays addressed the situation publicly on Thursday afternoon. In their statement shared via social media, the club expressed their sorrow for the harm inflicted on the local community and reiterated their commitment to community support. “We are fortunate and grateful that no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night,” the team stated, underlining the importance of community safety amid the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The statement further noted that the team is coordinating with law enforcement to secure the facility during the ongoing assessment of the damage. “Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we ask for your patience at this time, and we encourage those who can to donate to organizations in our community that are assisting those directly impacted by these storms.’
Impact on Emergency Services
Despite earlier designations by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stating that Tropicana Field would serve as a staging area for emergency management services, that plan was modified prior to the hurricane’s arrival. By the time Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, first responders were not on site, and the ballpark was not designated as a shelter. However, all essential personnel present at the time the storm struck have been accounted for and are safe.
Structural Overview
Tropicana Field, known for featuring the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof, was constructed at an estimated cost of $138 million and opened in 1990. The distinctive roof comprises six acres of translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass supported by 180 miles of cables linked through struts, designed to withstand winds of up to 115 mph. However, potential water damage remains a significant concern, as the stadium lacks a drainage system for its field.
The Rays have invested over $57 million in renovations since 2005, with the most recent upgrades involving the installation of new Shaw Sports Turf prior to the current MLB season.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Tampa Bay Rays are set to develop a new $1.3 billion ballpark on the site of Tropicana Field, though the opening of this facility is anticipated to take place no earlier than 2028.
Community Support Efforts
In light of the recent hurricanes, Major League Baseball has urged fans to support recovery efforts. Donations can be made to the Red Cross to assist with preparations and responses to the disaster. Interested individuals can contribute by visiting redcross.org/MLB.
As the region comes to terms with the impact of Hurricane Milton, efforts are underway to support affected individuals and assess the full extent of damage to the beloved Tropicana Field. The Rays and local community remain resilient in the face of adversity, united in their ambition to recover and rebuild.
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