ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Milton’s destructive power left a lasting mark on Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

A drone image shows the dome of Tropicana Field ripped open due to Hurricane Milton in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 10, 2024.

(BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP/Getty Images)

A Category 3 hurricane struck Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Tampa Bay area late Wednesday evening. The storm’s destructive force tore away large portions of the Trop’s iconic domed roof, exposing the interior. Potential water damage is also a major problem.

A security officer gave FOX Weather a first look at the extensive damage inside the stadium (seen in the video player at the top of this story), including shredded fabric covering the skylights in the wind.

Drone footage from the FOX Flight Team (seen below) shows the ongoing extent of damage to the stadium caused by Milton’s powerful winds of over 100 mph.

DRONE VIDEO SHOWS TROPICANA FIELD IN ST. PETE IN RUINS AFTER 100 MPH WINDS FROM MILTON TEAR THROUGH RAYS HOME

A closer look at the damage reveals that the stadium’s playing field is littered with camp beds, a poignant reminder of the stadium’s recent role as a temporary staging area for thousands of first responders who were fortunately evacuated to safety before the storm made landfall.

Despite the significant damage, no injuries were reported.

HURRICANE MILTON’S DEADLY ATTACK IN FLORIDA LEAVES 3 MILLION WITHOUT POWER AFTER DESTRUCTIVE WINDS OF 100 MPH

A drone image shows the dome of Tropicana Field ripped open due to Hurricane Milton in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 10, 2024.

(BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP/Getty Images)

St. Petersburg airport experienced sustained high winds for more than three hours, with gusts of more than 75 miles per hour, according to the FOX Forecast Center. The airport recorded seven gusts over 90 mph and a maximum gust of 100 mph just after 10:30 PM ET. Meanwhile, Tampa International Airport recorded peak winds of 90 mph.

The Trop’s famous cable-supported dome roof was once celebrated for its ability to withstand winds of up to 115 mph, the MLB notes.

HURRICANE MILTON LASHES TAMPA, ST. PETERSBURG WITH 100 MPH WINDS, CATASTROPHIC FLOODING

The city of Saint Petersburg urged everyone in the area to avoid the damaged Trop field until further notice. According to the city, no injuries were reported at the scene.

While the Rays have not yet released a full damage estimate, MLB reports that the club’s iconic stadium will likely undergo significant reconstruction.

HURRICANE MILTON LEADS DEADLY TORNADO OUTBREAK IN SOUTH FLORIDA: ‘HUNDREDS OF HOMES’ DESTROYED

Originally built for $138 million and opened in 1990, Tropicana Field has served as the home of the Tampa Bay Rays since their inaugural season in 1998, according to the MLB. The team has invested heavily in upgrades to the ballpark over the years, including a new playing surface installed ahead of the 2023 season.

While the Rays plan to build a new, state-of-the-art ballpark on the grounds of Tropicana Field, MLB estimates the project won’t be completed until 2028 at the earliest, according to MLB.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced during a news conference Thursday morning that damage assessments were underway across the state, where more than three million homes were without power.

“National Guard, State Guard, Fish and Wildlife Commission personnel, along with local law enforcement and first responders, are actively involved in rescue missions in the affected areas,” the governor said.

More than 50,000 linemen are working to restore electricity, while dozens of state inspectors are assessing bridges for safety to facilitate reopening in affected areas.