Marlins Park’s retractable roof "suffered minor damage" from Hurricane Irma, with a small portion of the rubber and plastic membrane on the ballpark’s west side "ripping off," according to Tim Healey of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The Marlins said that represents approximately 6% of the "entire roof membrane, which weatherproofs the structure, and will be replaced immediately following the end of the season." The ballpark "did not suffer any flooding or water damage" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 9/12). In West Palm Beach, Tom D'Angelo notes the outer membrane of the Heat’s practice court roof at American Airlines Arena "was damaged, pictures showing it draped over the side of the building." However, the Heat said that it is believed the damage is "minor and the building remains sound structurally." Heat players have been "working out at the facility throughout the summer and it is expected they will be allowed to resume those workouts this week" (PALM BEACH POST, 9/12).
MINIMAL DAMAGE FOR BALLPARKS: In Boston, Jason Mastrodonato notes the Red Sox Spring Training facility at JetBlue Park "sustained some damage" from Irma. Red Sox Senior Dir of Communications Kevin Gregg in an email wrote, "The damage to the Fenway South complex was moderate and mainly attributed to high winds resulting in downed trees, fencing, and (light) poles around the ballpark. ... The drainage system continues to draw off water from the playing surfaces but there are other areas of the complex that sustained minimal flooding" (BOSTON HERALD, 9/12). SPORTSNET.ca's Shi Davidi noted the Blue Jays Spring Training facilities in Dunedin, Fla., "suffered little more than cosmetic damage." Blue Jays Exec VP/Baseball Operations & GM Ross Atkins: "We weathered the storm as well as we could have hoped" (SPORTSNET.ca, 9/11). The SUN-SENTINEL's Healey notes Roger Dean Stadium "made it through the storm without significant issue" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 9/12).
READY TO RACE: Daytona Int'l Speedway President Chip Wile gave the all clear yesterday, saying that the property had "suffered moderate damage" from Irma. Wile: "Overall, the structure did its job. We had some moderate damage, but that can be fixed and replaced." In Daytona Beach, Godwin Kelly notes DIS finished its $400M renovation in '16 and since then has been "pounded by two hurricanes" (Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL, 9/12).
