Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida, likely forcing the Tampa Bay Rays to find a new location to play next spring. The vulnerability of sports stadiums, including baseball and football venues, to climate-related hazards such as hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat is a growing concern. Climate X’s report highlights the potential financial impact on NFL stadiums, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey projected to face significant losses due to its low elevation and exposure to flooding. Some stadiums, like Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, are already taking steps to address climate change by utilizing renewable energy and energy-efficient designs. While Tropicana Field is scheduled for demolition to make way for a new ballpark by 2028, the risks associated with climate change are prompting a reevaluation of the need for adaptation measures to protect sports venues from future weather-related damage. The report emphasizes the importance of state and local governments taking action to address the increasing risks posed by changing weather patterns and to implement strategies that will help mitigate the impact of climate-related hazards on sports stadiums and their surrounding communities.
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