FSU Campus Faces Extensive Damages After Tornado

Tallahassee was swiftly struck by its most powerful storm in years, having scant time to brace for it. After three EF-2 tornadoes tore through parts of Tallahassee and the Florida State University campus last week, various parts of campus saw extensive damage including FSU’s famous Flying High Circus Big Top and the Doak Campbell Stadium. After assessing the damage, Chad Mathews, FSU’s Flying High Circus Director, describes that all the fabric, steel structures and seating systems will need to be replaced which requires buying a new tent from a company based in Italy. Fortunately, the circus program is working with FSU Facilities and FSU's insurance team to start working on recovery and returning to normal functionality as soon as possible.

Matthews explains that the cost of replacing the top of the tent alone is over $400,000, not including the steel framework or metal poles. The full damage costs for the circus area in addition to other parts of campus that faced destruction and tornado-force winds are still being evaluated, as the university officials are still in the process of assessing damages to the Flying High Circus Big Top, Doak Campbell stadium, Magnetic Field Laboratory, and Dick Howser Stadium, the home of FSU baseball, which took considerable damage with tornado force winds warping the metal structure. Images of the destruction depict the tall, green right field fence collapsing and leaning over the rest of the wall, with the right field foul pole also damaged and severely bent to the right.

The tornadoes shattered the circus seating, wrecked the right field chain link fence at Howser Stadium and whipped up winds over 60 mph, twisting the circus tent fabric around the metal beams on drenched soil. The left field scoreboard netting and parts of the scoreboard were also severely damaged. The baseball program hasn't made an official statement yet, but the storms won't impact their games this weekend since they're away in Pittsburg to play rivals at Charles L. Cost Field. Their last home game, the season finale, was on May 16th against Georgia Tech. FSU has only a few more games at Howser Stadium before the regular season ends, and they’re expected to host a regional game starting on May 31st.

In the wake of such unexpected devastation, Tallahassee's spirit of community is needed now more than ever. The recent tornadoes have left beloved campus hot spots in disarray, from the Flying High Circus to the FSU campus baseball stadium. The road to recovery is daunting with a call to all community members, alumni, and friends of FSU to come together in support. Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or providing resources, every bit of help can make a significant difference in restoring the heart of the Seminole community. Unite to rebuild and help FSU rise from this challenge stronger than before. Support in these times is not just appreciated; it's essential to overcoming the decimation.