Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Wednesday night, has wreaked havoc across the Tampa Bay area, and one of the most significant impacts is the extensive damage to Tropicana Field, home to Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. This iconic stadium, which also served as shelter for first responders during the storm, had its roof severely damaged due to the storm's intense winds and rain.
On the night Hurricane Milton struck, meteorologists reported sustained winds reaching approximately 84 mph, with gusts peaking at 106 mph at 10 p.m. ET. Tyler Fleming, a local weather service meteorologist, confirmed these high wind speeds, indicating the severity of the storm as it made its way across the Gulf Coast. This powerful Category 2 hurricane unleashed torrential rains and wind, causing local agencies, including St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, to scramble and assess the damage across neighborhoods, businesses, and public structures, including Tropicana Field.
Local media immediately reported on the destruction of the stadium’s dome, which suffered considerable impairment from the hurricane-force winds. Aerial footage and social media posts captured aerial views of the increasingly visible hole in the stadium’s roof. Tropicana Field had been transformed just days prior to the hurricane’s landfall by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who designated it as a central hub for relief operations, capable of housing up to 10,000 personnel tasked with cleanup and emergency response tasks. On the night of the hurricane, rows of green cots—initially set up for responders—were instead used as safe havens for those needing shelter from the storm.
Fortunately, officials quickly communicated with those inside Tropicana Field during the storm. Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported, and the emergency response team ensured the safety and well-being of individuals inside. The Tampa Bay Rays released statements expressing gratitude to first responders and pledging support for recovery efforts as the city navigates the difficult path of rebuilding.
The scene around the stadium was chaotic, with flooding and power outages complicatiing recovery efforts. Community members remained vigilant as local officials set up emergency operations. With continued evaluations planned for the structural integrity of the damaged stadium, there's uncertainty surrounding the future of Tropicana Field. Engineers are expected to assess the full extent of the damage, determining whether temporary closures will be necessary.
The city of St. Petersburg and its residents, familiar with the hardships brought on by hurricane season, find themselves braving yet another challenge as they come together to support one another through recovery efforts. The love and loyalty for the Rays, even amid the darkened skies of uncertainty, may prove to be the rallying force for the community, helping to unite everyone as they rebuild.
Local news reports indicate the aftermath left by Hurricane Milton is still being evaluated, and exact figures for damages, not only to Tropicana Field but across the Tampa Bay area, are being tallied. The recovery process is set to begin, with officials' assurance of support and resources as the storm's remnants continue to impact communities throughout Florida.
