Rays organization speaks after hurricane damage to Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg. Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Rays organization speaks after Hurricane Milton damage to Tropicana Field

By Austen Bundy | Last updated 10/10/24

Hurricane Milton made landfall in central Florida as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening with high winds and flooding that has devastated the Tampa Bay area.

On Wednesday night, a video emerged of high winds ripping the Teflon-fabric roof of Tropicana Field completely off the cables and beams supporting it.

The stadium was acting as a "base camp" for first responders, with those inside reportedly "hiding in corridors" after the roof began to tear off.

OMG. We all had a collected gasp when we saw this from our reporter. The fabric on the roof of Tropicana Field is shredded. #StPete #Milton pic.twitter.com/36UKLO9cK6
— Jason Adams (@JasonAdamsWFTS) October 10, 2024

On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Rays — who play at Tropicana Field — released a statement addressing the storm's damage and expressing support for the impacted community.

To our Rays family, fans and the entire Tampa Bay community. pic.twitter.com/X9fwjZdcRX
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 10, 2024

"We are fortunate and grateful no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night," the statement read in part. "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."

The team also asked for "patience" and for people to donate toward relief efforts assisting those impacted by the storm's destruction.

"Our priority is supporting our community and our staff," the team wrote.

Millions are without power, and at least five people are dead, according to the Associated Press. The state was already in the middle of cleanup and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, which struck the same areas on Sept. 27.

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