A significant donation from the Las Vegas Raiders is set to aid the restoration of a football field at Mount Diablo High School in Concord, California, which suffered damage from a fire earlier this summer. The Raiders pledged $250,000 to help cover repair costs after the incident, which occurred on August 23, 2023.
Officials from the Mount Diablo Unified School District reported that the donation will specifically address the insurance deductible, allowing the district to allocate its funds elsewhere. The total cost of repairing the field is estimated at nearly $350,000. Superintendent Adam Clark expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “As a lifelong Raiders fan and past season ticket holder, I couldn’t be more pleased with their generous contribution.” He further acknowledged the role of Mark Davis, the team’s owner, in facilitating the donation.
The fire, believed to have been ignited by fireworks set off by a group of individuals on the field, resulted in damage to about one-third of the turf, including the school’s logo at the 50-yard line. Surveillance footage from that night is currently under review as authorities work to determine the cause of the fire.
The field had been installed earlier in 2023 at a cost ranging between $1 million and $3 million. Following the incident, the school’s team played its first three games of the season on the road while crews worked to restore the field to its original condition. The logo, which required special ordering, was successfully installed earlier this month.
Looking ahead, Mount Diablo High School is scheduled to host its homecoming game against crosstown rival Ygnacio Valley High School on Friday at 19:00. The restoration of the field is not only a significant milestone for the school but also a testament to community support and the vital role local organizations can play in enhancing educational facilities.
