Theft Forces Senior Night Game to Lathrop
A theft affecting stadium lighting led East Union High School to move its final home football game to Lathrop High School.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Secondary Education
East Union High School's senior night football game against Manteca High School was relocated from Dino Cunial Stadium to Lathrop High School, announced hours before kickoff on Friday. The Manteca Unified School District said a theft affected the stadium's lighting and that operations staff are responding to site damage.
Why it matters
The change disrupted a long-anticipated night for senior players and their families, who learned of the new venue through a team parent group message. It also highlights how theft affecting essential infrastructure can quickly reshape school athletic events in Manteca.
The alternate venue sits about six miles from Dino Cunial Stadium, roughly a 20-minute drive. The district has not disclosed what items were taken or how long repairs will take.
The players
East Union High School
A public high school in the Manteca Unified School District whose senior night game was moved to Lathrop High School after a theft affected the stadium.
Manteca Unified School District
The public school district overseeing East Union High School and Manteca High School, which is coordinating with law enforcement on the theft investigation.
The details
The relocation was announced hours before kickoff on Friday, with families notified through a message shared in a team parent group chat on behalf of the coach. The district confirmed that a theft affected stadium lighting, and that it is coordinating with local law enforcement while operations staff respond to site damage.
Timeline
Friday: Game relocated hours before kickoff on senior night.
Season Trajectory
Theft of metal and electrical components has repeatedly disrupted California public facilities, and this incident extends that pattern to a high school football venue. For Manteca's athletic calendar, the move underscores how infrastructure damage can alter the final home game of a season.
Families planning to attend East Union's senior night should check the new location at Lathrop High School, roughly 20 minutes from the original stadium. Residents near Dino Cunial Stadium may see increased police presence while the investigation and repairs proceed.
The takeaway
Event organizers and families should confirm venue changes directly with their school before game day, since relocations can be announced on short notice.
Further reading
For more on school athletics and campus life, explore Secondary Education coverage.
