Mt. Diablo forced to move after fire scorches football field
CONCORD, Calif. - An East Bay high school football field that was damaged in a fire over the summer has been repaired thanks to some help from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The former Oakland NFL team donated $250,000 to fund the restoration of the field at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord.
The backstory:
The damage was caused by a fire in August. The field had recently been outfitted with a brand new artificial turf when the fire destroyed a big section of it.
Concord police said surveillance images pointed to a group, possibly made up of juveniles, setting off fireworks on the field, causing the damage. There have been no updates on any arrests in the case.
Mt. Diablo High School's football field was seriously damaged in a fire in August. The Concord high school's field has been repaired, with the Las Vegas Raiders donating $250K.
Games moved
The damage prevented the team from hosting home games at the start of the season. The season home opener was held at Concord High School.
"We are in shock, it's kind of a tragedy," Coach Fetuao Mua had said following the fire. "I feel bad for the students."
The football team's home games were moved to nearby locations during the field's repair.
"The team played at various other sites including Concord HS and College Park HS for home games," a district spokesperson explained to KTVU.
What we know:
The Raiders got word of the incident and donated $250,000, which covers the insurance deductible, according to Mt. Diablo Unified School District officials, who said the total cost for repairs amounted to about $350,000.
"As a lifelong Raiders fan and past season ticket holder, I couldn't be more pleased with their generous contribution," district Superintendent Adam Clark said in a statement. "The Mt. Diablo High School student body, alumni and community deserve a learning environment that they can be proud of."
SEE ALSO: NFL player and Oakland native donates turf to alma mater
The repairs were conducted in two stages.
New artificial turf was laid on the damaged section of the field last month, according to the district.
MDUSD officials said earlier this month a special-ordered center logo was placed on the turf.
The field with the new logo is set to be officially unveiled at the high school's homecoming game at 7 p.m. on Friday against rival Ygnacio Valley High School.
(Mount Diablo Unified School District )
Las Vegas RaidersConcordHigh School Sports