Sinkhole under bleachers at Palm Springs High forces football team to hit the road

A sinkhole caused by a water main break has opened up under the northwest corner of the main bleachers at the football stadium at Palm Springs High School, forcing the team to move its upcoming home games to other schools in the district.

According to Art Sanchez, the school's assistant principal who handles facilities and athletics, the hole is approximately 17 feet down, 18 feet long and approximately 40 feet wide. The problem was first noticed on the morning of Aug. 19 after an improperly capped water line created an underground leak. The damage included a lot of displaced mud and dirt that left a sinkhole. The displaced mud had to be removed from the track portion of the football field.

Sanchez said around 20 dump trucks full of mud had to be removed from the field.

The damage to the ground isn't the issue as much as the safety and solidness of the bleachers. Sanchez said the district has acted quickly and has a plan in place, that if all goes smoothly will be completed by Sept. 19.

"The rebar and cement of the bleachers is holding, but it's not safe for people to be on," Sanchez said. "The district has approved a plan with engineers and has already begun to fill the hole with a combination of foam and slurry and then holes have to be drilled in that once it's set to release air. When it is done and safe and sturdy, we will return to having games and events there."

Ralph Watt Stadium, as it is known, was supposed to host the Indians' varsity football team this Friday against Grand Terrace and also next Friday, Sept. 6 against Eisenhower (Rialto). Instead, those games will likely be played at another high school in the district — Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City or Desert Hot Springs — but a specific site has not been solidified yet.

The remaining scheduled home games for the Indians would be Sept. 20 against Yucaipa, Oct. 4 against La Quinta and Oct. 25 against Palm Desert.

The district posted a message on its Facebook page on Aug. 21 stating: "Ralph Watt Stadium is closed until further notice due to a water main break. This closure is necessary to ensure everyone's safety. The Palm Springs High School administration will keep you updated as more details become available. Please be aware that this may lead to rescheduling of athletic events. We appreciate your understanding and will provide additional information as soon as possible."

Other fall activities affected by the closure aside from all three levels of football include the girls' flag football team as well as marching band activities. Also, the track, which is normally open for public use, is closed during the construction.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Sinkhole under bleachers at Palm Springs High forces football team to hit the road