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Ray’s release statement after the roof of the Tropicana field was ripped off during Hurricane Milton
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Ray’s release statement after the roof of the Tropicana field was ripped off during Hurricane Milton

Hours after Hurricane Milton made landfall about 70 miles south of Tampa Bay, the Category 3 storm, en route through the city, ripped off the roof of the Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, Tropicana Field. Multiple videos on social media showed pieces of the roof shredded by the hurricane’s winds of more than 60 miles per hour, although drone footage emerged Thursday morning to reveal a clearer picture of the damage.

The Rays confirmed in a statement released Thursday that no injuries were reported in the destruction of the ballpark’s roof, and said it could take “weeks” to determine the full extent of the damage.

“In recent weeks, our beloved city, region and state have been impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” the team said. “We are devastated by the damage so many have suffered. Our priority is supporting our community and our workforce.”

“We are fortunate and grateful that no one was injured due to the damage to our ballpark last night. In the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we are cooperating with the law. enforcement to secure the building.”

“We ask for your patience at this time and we encourage those who can to donate to organizations in our community that are helping those directly affected by the storm.”

The Tropicana Field roof, made of Teflon-coated fiberglass, is built to withstand winds of up to 110 miles per hour, according to the Rays’ 2024 media guide.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that state officials initially planned to use the ballpark as a base camp for 10,000 people to help with recovery efforts after the storm. But state officials moved the camp to another site when it became clear that Hurricane Milton, which packed winds of 125 miles per hour at landfall, was a threat to Tropicana Field.

The ballpark, which opened to the public in 1990, has been home to the Rays since the club’s first MLB season in ’98.