The Rays are asking for time and “patience” as the franchise assesses the damage Hurricane Milton caused to Tropicana Field.
The roof of the ballpark in St. Petersburg was ripped to shreds as the storm barreled through Florida Wednesday night.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field,” the team said on Thursday. “In the meantime, we are working with 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 assisting those directly impacted by these storms.”
White fabric from the ballpark’s roof hung from the catwalks due to the high winds, creating a surreal scene.
Tropicana Field’s dome structure was built to withstand winds up to 115 mph.
Geiger Engineers, who installed the roof in 1990, told The Athletic that the roof was “well past its intended service life.”
Winds in St. Petersburg peaked at 101 mph on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
No one was hurt by the damage at the ballpark, according to the press release.
Milton was the second hurricane to hit Florida in a matter of weeks following Helene, which made landfall on Sept. 26.
Tropicana Field had been used by the state as a 10,000-person base camp in the days leading up to Milton.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference Thursday that the first responders were relocated before the hurricane hit the state.
The Rays have played in Tropicana Field since 1998.
The team plans to open a new $1.3 billion 34,000-person capacity stadium before the 2028 season.
Opening Day at Tropicana Field isn’t until March 27, when they are set to host the Rockies to kick off the 2025 season.