Concession stand catches fire at East Allegheny High School football stadium
A fire broke out at the concession stand at East Allegheny High School's football stadium on Sunday morning.
Multiple fire crews were called to Churchman Stadium at the high school in North Versailles Township around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
The concession stand at the stadium appeared to be heavily damaged by fire.
"The concession stand is used by the boosters of every single team and entity of the school district as a source of fundraising," the North Versailles Fire Department said. "Let's hope that the community can come together to help these groups raise enough money to keep them going until a plan is in place to repair the concession stand!"
The school district cancelled all of Sunday's youth football games that were scheduled for Sunday out of caution. The high school's varsity football team is slated to host Valley on Friday night.
"I'm kind of the fix-it guy at East Allegheny," said parent and booster president Chris Goyke, but he added, "This is kind of out of my pay grade."
The East Allegheny School District released a statement saying in part that the fire was quickly contained and there were no injuries.
"The first time I saw it in person was when we walked in, and I was like, 'Oof!'" Goyke added. "We tried to make a list last night, and we're probably over about $2,000 in losses."
The funds that come from concession sales are vital to the programs.
"We make about $100, $150 a game. Every cent we raise goes directly back into the kids," Goyke said.
He added that the stand was going to eventually be renovated, but it will likely require more than that now.
It's unclear at this time just exactly how the fire started.
