Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc on Tropicana Field as it made landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The roof of the iconic stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was severely damaged when the Category 3 storm unleashed its fury. Residents of St. Petersburg reported wind gusts reaching 101 MPH, capturing dramatic footage and images of the stadium’s roof being shredded by the relentless winds.
In a twist of fate, Tropicana Field was designated as a shelter for those affected by the hurricane, equipped with 10,000 beds for evacuees. Fire & Rescue Captain Garth Swingle confirmed that the individuals sheltering inside remained safe amid the chaos.
Opened in 1990, Tropicana Field serves multiple purposes, hosting Major League Baseball games as well as college football events, including the St. Petersburg Bowl. It is known for its non-retractable dome, making it a unique indoor venue for baseball throughout the year.
As the storm continued its path, the focus shifted to recovery efforts and the inspections needed to assess the damage to this multi-purpose facility. The community is coming together to support those affected, with first responders and debris removal crews poised to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.