The aftermath of Hurricane Milton that struck Florida in mid-October included one of the most surprising sights: the severe damage done to Tropicana Field, the home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays, which was revealed to be more extensive than initially expected.
The entire roof of the stadium was torn off by the Hurricane Milton’s strong winds, leaving the dome in shreds. Last week, the team shared the first photos revealing other issues and impact from the storm. The damage caused was so severe that the Rays won’t be able to play there for at least the entire 2025 season and they might not return at all. The team announced that the 2025 season will be played at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees.
According to a report released by the city of St. Petersburg last week, it is estimated that it will cost around $56 million to repair the Trop and would likely be completed just before the start of the 2026 season. However, this estimated doesn’t include all necessary repairs.
Although the Mayor of St. Petersburg Ken Welch wants to move forward with repairs, the final decision will be made by the City Council. One of the major debates is whether repairing the stadium is worthwhile, considering plans for new stadium, which is all set to open in 2029. Also, the project might face delays or even get cancelled because of the ongoing political disagreements over funding.
Rays photographer Will Vragovic shared pictures of the damage to Tropicana Field that were taken in mid-to-late October, before emergency cots were taken out and initial cleanup started, which involved removing roof debris and securing other parts of the stadium.
View from the walkway
Take a closer look at the pictures of the stadium, and you’ll see how bad the damage was to the Rays’ ballpark. To be honest, it looks like a scene from a post-apocalyptic setting.
Rotating ad sign damage
Remains of a rotating ad sign, located next to the main video board above the rightfield seats, photographed on October 22.
Standing water still remains
About 5 inches of standing water remained in the photo well on the first-base side of home plate, one week after Hurricane Milton struck the Trop. Photo captured on October 16.
Damaged Concession Area
This picture taken on October 22 shows the damage done by Hurricane Milton to the concession area on the centerfield porch.
Damage to Rays Dugout
Rays’ dugout on the first-base side shows a dramatic change in the view, as seen in this photo taken on October 16, after the damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
Offices exposed to open air due to roof damage
The roof was torn apart, and the drop ceilings inside collapsed, exposing some team offices on the fourth floor to the open air. Picture taken on October 22.
Insulation stacked up in multiple areas
In several areas, insulation was stacked up, including on the patio deck of the team executive boardroom that looks out over left-centerfield.
Discolored tank and dirty water
After the storm, the seven cownose rays that were on display in the 10,000-gallon tank were reported to be okay and were moved to the Florida Aquarium on October 14. This photo taken on October 22 shows the tank’s discolored look, with some roof pieces floating in the water.
Radio booth
The radio booth, which had notes about broadcaster Dave Wills, who passed away in March 2023, was covered with dirt and possibly silenced by Hurricane Milton, as shown in this photo captured on October 16.
Banners remain intact
This picture, photographed on October 16, shows the banners above leftfield, which shows the Rays’ postseason appearances and advancements still intact.
A top-down view of the damage
This picture taken on October 22 from a drone gives a top-down view of the damage, capturing the extent of the destruction.
