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Rays examine the stadium after Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof and caused water damage
Utah

Rays examine the stadium after Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof and caused water damage

Hurricane Milton had widespread impacts on Florida this week and the home of the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays was not spared.

Videos on social media and local news reports showed parts of the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg being ripped apart as winds of more than 100 miles per hour blew into the Tampa area.

Water damage to an indoor stadium without drainage is also a big problem.

The dome stadium was supposed to be used as a staging area for first responders, but they were moved to a new location before the worst of the storm hit, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

The Rays released a statement Thursday after learning about the damage from the storm. The team confirmed that there were no injuries in the destruction of the stadium roof, but noted that it could take weeks to determine the full extent of the damage.

“In recent weeks, our beloved city, region and state have been struck by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” the statement said. “We are devastated by the harm that has been caused to so many. Our priority is supporting our community and our employees.”

“We are fortunate and grateful that no one was injured by the damage to our ballpark last night. We expect to be able to assess the actual condition of Tropicana Field in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building.”

“We ask for your patience at this time and encourage those who are able to donate to organizations in our community that are helping those directly affected by the storm.”

Tropicana Field’s infamous roof is made of Teflon-coated fiberglass. During the games there is always chaos: players lose the ball on the white ceiling or high flying balls get stuck on the catwalks.

The ballpark, also known as “The Trop,” opened to the public in 1990 and has served as the home of the Rays since the team’s first season in 1998.

Tampa did not qualify for the postseason. The Rays are scheduled to open the 2025 season on March 27 at home against Colorado.

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