Hurricane Milton has made its mark on Florida, and the city of Tampa is feeling the impact in a big way. As the storm’s ferocious winds tore through the area, Tropicana Field, the iconic domed stadium known for housing the Tampa Bay Rays, took a direct hit.
The storm’s intensity was enough to rip off sections of the roof overnight, leaving gaping holes in the structure and sending debris flying. While no one was inside at the time, the damage has thrown a wrench in plans to use the stadium as a shelter for displaced Tampa residents.
A Close Call
With Hurricane Milton bearing down, the stadium had been identified as a potential shelter for evacuees. But by sheer luck, it wasn’t yet operational as a shelter when the roof was compromised. The incident occurred overnight when the winds were at their most severe, peeling away parts of the roof and leaving sections of the stadium exposed to the elements.
Had the shelter opened just hours earlier, it would have been a chaotic and potentially dangerous scene for anyone seeking refuge there. Fortunately, emergency management teams had not yet begun moving people into the stadium, sparing evacuees from a terrifying ordeal.
As morning light revealed the extent of the damage, it was clear that the stadium was missing large portions of the roof were ripped away, leaving it completely exposed to the elements.
Water damage is also a significant concern, with rainwater pooling on the field. Although the extent of the damage is still being assessed, it’s likely to cost millions in repairs.
