Impact on Tropicana Field

As Floridians assess the destruction left in Hurricane Milton's wake, one of the most significant impacts can be seen at Tropicana Field, the cherished home of the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.

Early Thursday morning, it became clear that the hurricane had inflicted severe damage to the stadium's iconic cable-supported domed roof—known to be the largest of its kind in the world. The winds, gusting as high as 145 mph (233 km/h), shredded the roof's fabric, leaving it in tatters. Drone footage reveals a disturbing scene within the stadium, showcasing extensive debris littering the area with very little of the roof still intact.

Safety of Staff

While only essential staff were present inside the ballpark during the storm, they are reportedly safe. The Rays confirmed that Tropicana Field was not serving as a shelter and did not have first responders stationed there at the time. Officials will evaluate the full extent of the damage once conditions are deemed safe post-storm.

Structural Resilience

Tropicana Field, which opened its doors in 1990 and was constructed at a cost of $138 million, was designed to endure wind speeds of up to 115 mph (185 km/h). However, this recent hurricane has pushed those limits to an unprecedented level, raising questions about the future of the stadium. Plans are already in motion for a new $1.3 billion ballpark to replace Tropicana Field ahead of the 2028 season.

Damage Beyond the Stadium

The hurricane's wrath didn’t end with the stadium. In downtown St. Petersburg, multiple cranes succumbed to the storm's ferocity. One crane toppled and collided with the Tampa Bay Times building, severely damaging several floors and creating a large gaping hole.

Canceled Sporting Events

Adding to the sporting chaos, an NBA preseason game between the Orlando Magic and the New Orleans Pelicans, scheduled for Friday, was canceled in anticipation of the hurricane's impact and will not be rescheduled, leaving fans disappointed.

Resilience and Recovery

As the region begins its recovery, the devastation echoes a vibrant city’s resilience in the face of nature’s fury. Stay tuned for updates as we learn more about the storm's aftermath and the city’s efforts to rebuild.