Earlier this week, Hurricane Milton made a devastating landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, wreaking havoc on the area, including significant damage to one of the state’s most iconic sports venues—Tropicana Field. The home of the Tampa Bay Rays since their debut season in 1998, Tropicana Field sustained considerable damage, particularly to its roof, leaving the stadium in need of major repairs before the 2025 MLB season.
The powerful winds from Hurricane Milton ripped large sections of the roof off the stadium, scattering debris across the surrounding St. Petersburg area. Unfortunately for the Rays, it seems some of these pieces ended up in the hands of opportunists who have begun selling them online.
In a bizarre turn of events, pieces of the Tropicana Field roof have surfaced on eBay, with sellers hoping to cash in on the storm’s aftermath. One listing offers a chunk of the roof for $67.50, while another seller is asking for a more ambitious $100. The sales don’t stop there—another listing features a piece of the turf from the field, with the current price tag reaching an astounding $900.
The Rays organization, understandably focused on more pressing matters, recently released a statement addressing the damage caused by the hurricane. “Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field,” the statement read. “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.”
While the team and local authorities work to secure the damaged stadium and assess the full extent of the destruction, the Rays are faced with the daunting task of repairing their home venue. The damage to Tropicana Field is significant, with much of the original roof now missing or damaged beyond repair. It’s unclear how long the renovations will take, but with the 2025 season looming, the clock is ticking.
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In addition to the logistical challenges of repairing Tropicana Field, the Rays and the community are dealing with the broader devastation caused by Hurricane Milton. Florida residents have faced back-to-back hurricanes in a short span, with many still reeling from the damage.
The Rays’ statement emphasized the need for patience and community support, urging those who can to contribute to relief efforts for those hardest hit by the storms.
As the cleanup and rebuilding process continues, it’s uncertain how long it will take for the Rays to fully restore Tropicana Field. While some may see opportunity in the chaos—such as those profiting from selling roof debris online—the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the community and bringing much-needed repairs to the stadium.
For now, all eyes are on the recovery efforts, both for Tropicana Field and for the residents of Florida who have endured the relentless impact of these natural disasters.
The hope is that the damage can be fixed swiftly, allowing the Rays and their fans to return to a fully restored ballpark in time for the next MLB season.
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