- Drone footage has revealed just how much damage the Category 3 storm did to the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium
- Sections of the field look to have been damaged as well as the stands and the roof
- The Trop has been home to the Rays since 1998
The full scale of Hurricane Milton’s path of carnage across Tampa Bay was laid bare after drone footage revealed the extent of the damage done to Tropicana Field.
The home of the Tampa Bay Rays was all over the news on Thursday (October 11th) after the Category 3 storm tore the stadium’s roof off, sending debris spiralling down hundreds of feet to the stands and field below.
The Trop was supposed to be used to house up to 10,000 people during Milton, including first responders and state and local emergency management services, with cots set up on the field in case they were needed.
Thylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), a polymer that’s stronger than glass but significantly lighter, was used to help construct the roof of the ballpark in St. Petersburg. Fortunately, from what could be seen in footage taken at the stadium, the steel framework of the roof appeared to have escaped undamaged.
However, drone footage taken in the wake of Milton’s ground fall has shown how the field and stands below have not fared so well.
The Rays released a statement on the damage done to Tropicana Field, saying, “Our priority is supporting our community and our staff. We are fortunate and grateful that no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night. Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building.”
Since 1998 The Trop has been home to the Rays, although a deal was struck in July of this year for construction to begin on a new park in 2025. It is expected to be completed in time for opening day in 2028.
At one point, Milton had been classified as a Category 5 hurricane as it gathered momentum over the Gulf of Mexico. When the storm hit land in Florida it was downgraded to Category 3 and was down to Category 1 as it passed out of the Sunshine State.
