Marlins to leave roof partially open during Hurricane Irma
When Hurricane Irma hits Marlins Park in Miami, the Marlins have a strategy to protect their stadium from the treacherous damage the storm might inflict.
The stadium, which was built to withstand a Category 4 storm, will have its roof ajar in certain spots as a way to help protect it from damage, according to Tim Healey of the Sun-Sentinel.
Though Irma - a Category 5 storm as of Wednesday - is expected to weaken, the Marlins will leave a 16-foot gap on the east side of the roof, a 10-foot gap in the center, and a 10-foot gap on the west to counteract its destructive nature.
"It allows the air and the pressure to come inside the ballpark and eventually leave the ballpark," executive vice president of operations and events Claude Delorme said. "It avoids putting a lot of uplift on the roof. It was designed that way so we wouldn't get any major damage to our roof."
The roof, which weighs 9,300 pounds will also be tied down with 56 steel anchors, while floodgates will be installed for added protection.
"Even with the pressure and the winds, once you lock it in, that roof isn't moving," Delorme said.