Global Rope Access Leads Emergency Roof Removal at Hurricane-Damaged Tropicana Field
In a rapid response to Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact on St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field, industrial rope access specialist Global Rope Access (GRA) has mobilized to remove extensively damaged roofing materials from the stadium’s complex cable-supported system.
The Category 3 hurricane, which brought winds exceeding 100 mph, severely compromised the stadium’s distinctive Teflon-coated fiberglass roof, leaving critical areas of the facility exposed to the elements. The City of St. Petersburg has contracted GRA to handle the challenging task of safely removing the compromised materials—a crucial first step in what promises to be an extensive restoration process.
“Access restrictions due to safety concerns make traditional removal methods impractical,” explains Sean Easton, owner-operator of GRA. “Our specialized rope access systems allow our technicians to safely reach and remove damaged sections while maintaining precise control over the operation.”
The project showcases the growing importance of industrial rope access in emergency response scenarios. GRA’s certified technicians are employing sophisticated rigging systems to navigate the stadium’s intricate cable-supported roof structure, demonstrating how rope access techniques can provide solutions where conventional methods fall short.
This isn’t GRA’s first major stadium project. The company’s portfolio includes work on several high-profile venues across North America, including Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, the newly completed MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, and Allegiant Stadium. However, the Tropicana Field project presents unique challenges due to its emergency nature and the extent of the storm damage.
“Every stadium project requires careful planning, but emergency response situations demand an extra level of precision,” notes Easton. “We’re dealing with compromised materials and potentially unstable sections, all while working at height. Our team’s experience with complex stadium systems proves invaluable in these scenarios.”
The removal operation marks the initial phase of what city officials anticipate will be a comprehensive restoration effort. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the safe removal of compromised roofing materials is essential for allowing detailed structural inspections and developing a complete restoration plan.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the industrial rope access sector’s role in emergency response and infrastructure recovery continues to evolve. The Tropicana Field project demonstrates how specialized access techniques can provide crucial solutions in time-sensitive situations where traditional methods may not be feasible.
GRA’s work at Tropicana Field is ongoing, with the company’s teams operating under strict safety protocols while maintaining an aggressive schedule to help minimize the facility’s exposure to the elements. City officials have not yet announced a timeline for the stadium’s complete restoration, but the efficient removal of damaged materials represents a significant first step in the recovery process.
For more information about industrial rope access solutions and GRA’s range of services, visit www.globalropeaccess.com
