Tropicana Field Roof Damaged by Hurricane Milton

October 10th, 2024

Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, after making landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida's Gulf Coast. High winds tore off much of the roof’s fabric covering, though the metal framework remains intact. The stadium, designated as a staging area for emergency services, safely housed 10,000 people at the time. The Rays confirmed the roof, made of lightweight polymer, was designed to withstand winds up to 115 mph, but Milton’s intense winds tested the structure.

Despite the damage, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the hurricane as severe but not the "worst-case scenario." St. Petersburg, where Tropicana Field is located, received over 16 inches of rain, prompting concerns of flash flooding. Emergency response teams continue to assess the storm’s impact, while several sporting events, including NBA and NFL games, have been postponed or canceled due to ongoing concerns about the storm’s effects.