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Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida, forcing the Tampa Bay Rays to seek an alternate venue for their upcoming season opener. The stadium’s location near the water puts it at risk of damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, storm surge, and flooding. Other baseball stadiums situated near bodies of water, such as those housing the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres, also face increased insurance premiums and repair costs due to weather-related losses.

Furthermore, NFL stadiums are also at risk of climate-related damages, with a projected $11 billion in losses by 2050. Climate X highlighted the vulnerability of football stadiums to climate hazards like flooding, wildfires, and storm surge. MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, is expected to incur the highest losses, with cumulative damages exceeding $5.6 billion by 2050 due to its low elevation in the marshy Meadowlands.

Football stadiums are not only venues for games but also host concerts, serve as storm shelters, and hold community events. As climate change continues to impact these structures, state and local governments must address the risks of changing weather patterns. The report from Climate X serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to implement adaptation measures in addition to sustainability efforts to combat climate change.

While some stadiums like Allegiant Stadium are making strides in sustainability by running events on renewable energy, others like Mercedes Benz Stadium are focusing on energy-efficient designs to reduce electricity usage. The key takeaway is that climate change is a reality that cannot be ignored, and proactive measures must be taken to adapt to the changing climate. As for Tropicana Field, its future remains uncertain as plans for a new $1.3 billion ballpark for the Rays are already in motion, potentially replacing the damaged stadium by the 2028 season.

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