Among the many incredible, sad, profound scenes in the wake of Hurricane Milton’s landfall Wednesday night, Tropicana Field’s roof being destroyed will stand out in many people’s memories.
The storm, which barreled toward Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, came ashore in Sarasota, about 35 miles from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. While the home of the Tampa Bay Rays has been much-maligned by fans through the years, it was still a shock to see the stadium’s fabric roof ripped to shreds by wind gusts exceeding 100 mph.
ABC Action News in Tampa showed the surreal scene.
Video from @abcactionnews: Roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg damaged from Hurricane Milton. pic.twitter.com/o9APwLOnye
— Ken Fang — Very Asian (@fangsbites) October 10, 2024
To compound the situation the facility was being used as a shelter and a staging area for thousands of first responders. While local authorities had expected the roof would suffer damage, the stadium was the only spot in the area big enough to house the relief effort. Everyone was reportedly safe.
The roof, made of a translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric called PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), had actually been designed to withstand hurricane damage.
Rays baseball reporter Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Florida posted video of the scene on X and commented, “Another look at the damage to Tropicana Field’s roof from Hurricane Milton. You can hear the wind shredding through it. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Another look at the damage to Tropicana Field’s roof from Hurricane Milton. You can hear the wind shredding through it. Absolutely heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/L4RqMkTrcF
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 10, 2024
Like everyone else, Dave Moore, former NFL player and now color commentator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio network, watched the scene in disbelief.
The view from our window as we ride out the storm. The roof of Tropicana Field is destroyed by the winds of #HurricaneMilton. Praying for Tampa Bay and all areas affected. Stay safe, everyone pic.twitter.com/uy0aNGMAuJ
— Dave Moore (@DaveMoore_83) October 10, 2024
MLB insiders familiar with the facility watched the reports on social media and the news with sadness.
This is wild.
The roof of Tropicana Field is currently getting ripped off by Hurricane Milton.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) October 10, 2024
It’s a sad, and shocking sight, but roofs can be replaced. Everyone is hoping and praying that the Tampa Bay area, Sarasota and the rest of Florida come out of this without far worse damage and casualties.
[Ryan Bass]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.