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As we approach the two-week mark of the MLB season, the Tampa Bay Rays have welcomed fans back to their stadium for the first time since the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida.
After 561 days of closure, Tropicana Field opened its doors on Monday for the Rays’ initial home game of the season against the Chicago Cubs.
Hurricane Milton, which swept through Florida in October 2024, left a trail of destruction, severely damaging the renowned Tampa Bay stadium. The storm’s fierce winds, exceeding 100 mph, tore apart significant portions of the fiberglass roof.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries at the stadium during this severe weather episode.
Nonetheless, the venue suffered extensive damage, with the roof completely ripped off and debris scattered across the field, seating areas, and dugouts.
When scanning through the stadium, the extensive damage showcases the raw strength of Milton and the life-threatening wind gusts that helped tear the structure apart.
Since the devastating hurricane, the Rays were lucky enough to temporarily relocate to the Yankees’ spring training facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field, while renovations and rebuilding occurred at Tropicana Field.
Part of the return to the stadium includes the fun-filled stingrays, located inside the ballpark, who miraculously rode out the storm before being relocated, according to MLB.com.
They have finally returned home to the ballpark, once again.
Upon landfall, the Category 3 hurricane displaced thousands of Floridians, causing an estimated $34.3 billion in damage across the Sunshine State.
The hurricane was responsible for 12 direct deaths in the U.S., according to the NHC’s Tropical Cyclone Report.
Thankfully, the city council of St. Petersburg approved the $23 million plan to repair the ballpark’s roof and other needs.
The reopening of the stadium marks a huge milestone and sheds light on the Tampa Bay community’s resilience in rebuilding from what once was.