High winds from thunderstorm cause tears in section of Arizona Cardinals’ stadium roof

Storm damages roof of Arizona Cardinals stadium

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Authorities say the roof of the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium has been slightly damaged by a thunderstorm packing high winds.

TV news helicopters showed several tears in one section of the white, canvas-like fabric that stretches across the roof’s steel girders.

University of Phoenix Stadium spokesman Scott Norton says it’s possible that wind gusts Thursday got under the structure’s metal skin, flipping a piece of it onto the roof and causing the fabric to puncture.

Norton says water and debris such as insulation fell onto the stadium floor. He says there are no reported injuries.

Norton says stadium officials are evaluating the damage and how much repairs will cost.

The Cardinals open their preseason schedule at home Aug. 14 against Houston.