Rays issue heartfelt statement on Hurricane Milton damage to Tropicana Field

Images and videos of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in the state of Florida spread online on Thursday.

Perhaps none were more powerful than the images showing the storm that destroyed the roof of Tropicana Field, home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays.

On Thursday afternoon, the Rays released a statement in response to the mood swings from locals and non-locals alike.

“In recent weeks, our beloved city, region and state have been hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We are devastated by the harm that so many people have suffered,” the statement said. “Our priority is supporting our community and our employees. We are fortunate and grateful that no one was injured as a result of the damage to our ballpark last night.”

“We expect to be able to assess the actual condition of Tropicana Field in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building. We ask and encourage your patience at this time.” Who can donate to organizations in our community that are helping those directly impacted by these storms?

The news that the wind caused no injuries and caused obvious damage is a great relief. When Hurricane Milton hit Florida's west coast on Wednesday, downtown St. Petersburg was in a path of destruction.

More news: Watch: Hurricane Milton rips roof off Tropicana Field, home of MLB's Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays played their last game on September 22nd at Tropicana Field.

The stadium's days as a venue for MLB games are already numbered. In July, the Pinellas County Commission approved it Agreement for a new baseball stadium in St. Petersburg's historic gasworks district. Construction on the ballpark, located east of Tropicana Field, is expected to begin in January and be completed in time for Opening Day in 2028.

In the meantime, the damage Milton caused to the field must be assessed and repaired in time for Opening Day 2025. Tropicana Field is the only MLB stadium covered with a solid domed roof.

Milton made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast near Siesta Key in Sarasota County shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the second major hurricane to hit the region in less than two weeks.

The storm left more than three million customers without power, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed five deaths in St. Lucie County.

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