ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – The cost of repairing Hurricane Milton damage to Tropicana Field could reach $55 million, according to a report obtained by FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

Large sections of the fiberglass roof of the Tampa Bay Rays’ home were torn off when the hurricane’s 125 mph winds hit the facility.

No one was injured in the stadium during the hurricanebut the site had been prepared to serve as a gathering place for utility workers.

Most of the damage is believed to be non-structural, but everything from the field to video equipment was exposed to heavy rain and gusty winds.

Watch: First look at Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana field after Milton Force destroys roof

CoreLogic, a California-based information services provider, estimated that damage across the Sunshine State could reach more than $30 billion from the once Category 5 hurricane.

At least 32 deaths have been attributed to the hurricane, including Floridafrom the Gulf Coast to the state’s eastern coast, which also experienced a significant tornado outbreak.

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for dozens of counties, allowing local governments to seek federal reimbursements in the storm’s aftermath.

The St. Petersburg City Council has already voted to spend more than $6 million to storm-proof Tropicana Field to prevent further damage from future storms.

It remains unclear whether the city is willing to spend millions on a stadium that is expected to be demolished in just a few years.

Stingrays at Tropicana Field relocated after destruction on the field during Hurricane Milton

“Is this a good use of public funds, given the amount of time we’re going to spend on it?” St. Pete City Councilman Richie Floyd said during a interview with FOX 13.

The stadium opened in 1990 and has been home to the Tampa Bay Rays since 1998.

The Major League Baseball team had planned to use the stadium only until 2027, until a replacement stadium could be built.

According to FOX 13, if repairs were to begin immediately, they could be completed in 18 months, before the start of the 2026 baseball season.

Hillsborough and County Stadiums Orlando The metro area has been discussed as a potential temporary relief site, but ultimately the decision would likely involve MLB and other stakeholders.

Original article source: Tropicana Field repair costs could exceed $55 million after damage from Hurricane Milton, report says