Copper Theft Knocks Out East Union Stadium Lights

Thieves cut and stole copper wiring that powers the stadium lights and scoreboard, forcing schedule changes for several teams.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Property Crime

Professional editorial photograph of a dark steel stadium light tower over an empty dry grass field, its base showing exposed cut wiring under flat daylight. — Thieves cut and stole copper wiring that powers the lights and scoreboard at East Union High School's stadium in Manteca, causing about $22,000 in damage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Thieves stole copper wiring from East Union High School's stadium in Manteca, knocking out the lights and scoreboard. Police estimate the damage at about $22,000, and the vandalism remains under investigation.

Why it matters

The theft has disrupted athletic programs in Manteca, forcing a senior night football game to Lathrop and moving a soccer home game to Woodward Park. The cost and disruption fall on a school district already working around the damage.

Manteca police are investigating the damage to three electrical covers and the theft of copper wiring, with the case still open and no arrests reported. Police estimate the loss at about $22,000, but the suspects and any potential charges have not been identified.

The players

East Union High School

East Union High School is a public high school in Manteca, California, part of the Manteca Unified School District.

Manteca Police Department

The Manteca Police Department is the municipal law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Manteca, California.

The details

Someone damaged three electrical covers at the stadium before cutting and stealing copper wiring that supplies power to the lights and scoreboard. As a result, a powderpuff football game was postponed, the district rented temporary lights for the boys soccer team, and the team has been practicing on the baseball field.

Thursday: Powderpuff football game postponed due to the outage.
Friday: East Union senior night football game relocated to Lathrop.
Monday: Soccer team's home game moved to Woodward Park in Manteca.

Seasonal Patterns

Copper wire theft at public facilities has become a recurring problem for California school districts as metal prices remain high. This incident fits a broader pattern of metal theft targeting electrical infrastructure at public sites in Manteca and surrounding communities.

Students and families attending East Union athletic events should check for relocated game times and venues before heading out. The theft has displaced practices and games for several teams, so schedule changes may continue until power is restored to the stadium.

The takeaway

Metal theft at public facilities can disrupt entire school athletic programs, not just the damaged equipment. Residents who notice suspicious activity near school property should report it to local police promptly.