Tropicana Field's Roof: A Hurricane's Battleground
You know that iconic dome in St. Petersburg, Florida? Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is pretty unique. Not just for its quirky, open-air feel, but also for its fascinating history, including a brush with a powerful hurricane.
So, what was that roof made of? And how did it fare against Hurricane Milton back in 1972?
A Roof Like No Other
The original Tropicana Field roof, built in 1969, wasn't your typical stadium roof. It wasn't a solid dome like the one you see today. Instead, it was a tensioned-cable roof - a network of steel cables stretched over a giant concrete frame. Think of it like a giant, upside-down trampoline!
This design was pretty revolutionary at the time. It allowed for a large, open space with minimal supports, giving the stadium its unique, airy feel. It also made for a pretty cool view of the sky.
The Hurricane Hits
Hurricane Milton wasn't messing around when it hit Florida in 1972. It was a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 75 mph. That's enough to cause some serious damage, especially to a stadium roof like Tropicana Field's.
The hurricane's winds ripped through the stadium, causing major damage to the tensioned-cable roof. The damage was so severe that the roof had to be completely replaced.
Back to Basics
The new roof, installed in 1973, ditched the revolutionary tensioned-cable design and went for a more traditional, solid dome. This new roof, made of reinforced concrete, was built to withstand even the strongest hurricanes.
Tropicana Field's Dome Today
The dome you see today at Tropicana Field is still the one installed after Hurricane Milton. It's been there for almost 50 years, standing strong against storms and cheering fans.
The history of Tropicana Field's roof is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of building resilient structures. The dome itself may have changed, but the stadium's spirit remains the same - a haven for baseball lovers, ready to face whatever comes its way.
