Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, left a trail of destruction across Florida, including the severe damage to Tropicana Field’s roof, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The stadium, located in St. Petersburg, saw sections of its non-retractable roof violently ripped off by winds exceeding 120 mph, marking one of the most devastating moments in the storm’s aftermath
A Hub for Emergency Response
Tropicana Field had been serving as a staging area for first responders and emergency personnel preparing for the post-hurricane recovery efforts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the stadium, which opened in 1990 and is set to be replaced by a new $1.3 billion ballpark by 2026. However, the extent of the damage inside the stadium is still being assessed.
Devastation Across Florida
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, just 70 miles south of Tampa, with heavy rain, tornadoes, and storm surges wreaking havoc across the Gulf Coast. St. Petersburg, located near the eye of the storm, experienced significant flooding, leaving over 3.2 million homes and businesses without power.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
As authorities continue rescue and relief operations, the future of Tropicana Field as a recovery hub remains uncertain due to the unprecedented damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Emergency crews are working around the clock to restore services and provide aid to the hardest-hit communities.
