Hurricane Milton Destroys Tropicana Field’s Roof

Hurricane Milton rampaged through the Tampa Bay area Wednesday night, and it tore the roof off the Tampa Bay Rays’ home stadium, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Pieces of the non-retractable roof were seen flapping in the wind.
According to WFTS-TV in Tampa, there were no reported injuries at the site.

The stadium was being used as a shelter for first responders in the buildup to the response to the storm. On Tuesday, rows of cots sat atop the Rays’ artificial turf for use by emergency personnel.

The venue was originally called the Florida Suncoast Dome when it opened in 1990. During the Tampa Bay Lightning’s tenancy from 1993-96, the building was known as the Thunder Dome. Local beverage giant Tropicana secured a 30-year naming rights deal in 1996.

Hurricane Milton reached land rated as Category 3, with winds around 120 mph, but later was downgraded to Category 2.

Reuters/Adukwu William, Lagos