The destructive Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, with debris scattered across the field and seating areas in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fortunately, only a few essential personnel were inside the stadium when the storm hit, and no injuries were reported. The roof, which was designed to withstand wind up to 115 mph, was torn to shreds by the powerful hurricane. Plans to use the stadium as a base camp for debris cleanup and housing for first responders were changed as the storm neared.
The Orlando Magic basketball team also felt the impact of Hurricane Milton, delaying their return home from San Antonio due to the storm. A preseason game between the Magic and the New Orleans Pelicans was canceled and will not be rescheduled. Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of those affected by the storm over basketball games.
The NBA and NHL have been notably affected by Hurricane Milton, with games being postponed and rescheduled to ensure the safety of players and fans. The damage caused by the hurricane serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive nature of these natural disasters. The Rays are now assessing the extent of the damage inside the stadium and preparing for potential roof replacement, while the Magic are focusing on helping their community recover from the storm’s impact.
Source
Photo credit wtop.com