Greene County Schools superintendent Brett Abbotts is asking the public for information regarding vandalism and theft that occurred at the Linduska Field press box earlier this summer.
Abbotts provided information Monday afternoon that “significant damage” had been done to the press box during a theft July 29 at approximately 3:50 am.
According to Abbotts’ information, a number of critical components were damaged, disconnected, or stolen, including equipment associated with the stadium lighting, audio system, scoreboard, and press box technology. Among the damaged or stolen equipment were the Musco lighting cabinet and show lights display controls, components of the audio system, fiber connections serving the scoreboard and outdoor speakers, microphone-system cabling, computer equipment, a monitor, and a KVM switch.
The district estimates the total damage and replacement costs to be approximately $25,000 although that figure may change as the full extent of the damage is assessed and replacement needs are determined, a post to the district’s social media page stated. “This incident has created challenges for the district and may directly impact our ability to provide some of the technology and production capabilities normally available at our home football games. At this time, the district may not have all of the necessary technology operational for our first home football games of the season,” Abbotts wrote in the post.
The 2026 football season is set to begin with a scrimmage against Clarke Community Aug. 21 in Jefferson. The first game, a home game, is Aug. 28 when the Rams host the Boone Toreadors.
“Our technology team continues to work with our vendors and technology partners to obtain replacement equipment and restore these systems as quickly as possible,” Abbotts wrote. “Our athletic events are an important part of the Greene County community and we recognize the impact this situation may have on students, families, athletes, coaches, staff, and fans. Our priority is to minimize the disruption to our students and provide the best experience possible while we work through the necessary repairs and replacements.”
The new lights were installed in August at a cost of $280,000, which included $22,400 for the show lights and computer software, as well as the cost of the galvanized steel poles on which the lights are mounted.
Abbotts wrote the district plans to share more information as it becomes available, and asked anyone with information that may lead to apprehending the person or persons responsible contact the Jefferson police department or the school district.
