Mt. Diablo High School football field repaired after fire last month

(BCN) — After the football field at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord was damaged in a fire last month, crews have made repairs in time for the field to be used for a game Friday, school officials announced.

Concord police learned on the morning of Aug. 24 that a fire had damaged the newly installed synthetic turf field at the school at 2450 Grant St. Investigators found surveillance footage showing several people, possibly juveniles, who set off fireworks on the field the night before.

The fire damaged the center logo on the field, according to a letter school principal Markell McCain sent to the campus community. School officials said the fire melted about a third of the field. The artificial turf had just been installed in the spring and the team was set to play its home opener on Aug. 29 but instead had to have the game relocated to Concord High School.

The artificial turf manufacturer brought in repair crews to replace the damaged area and the field is opening in time for Friday night’s game against Alameda High School, though the MDHS logo has to be manufactured separately and will be installed in the coming weeks, according to the school.

“The fire was devastating but did not keep us down. That’s a testament to the coaching staff and the players,” McCain said in a statement. “We’re just glad to get the field back in shape so we can play before our fans at home and share the Red Devil spirit.”

Concord police have not announced arrests or shared any updates about the investigation into the fire. The Mt. Diablo varsity football team is 3-0 and plays at 7:30 p.m. after the junior varsity team plays at 4:30 p.m.

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