Lead-up to Lenoir City-Loudon ri

Lead-up to Lenoir City-Loudon rivalry game marred by vandalism

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WATE) — Prior to Thursday night’s high school football game between Lenoir City and Loudon, graffiti had to be cleaned from the press box and cameras. We are told there was an estimated $20,000 in damage done to the stadium.

The Battle of the Bridge, a yearly game between Lenoir City and Loudon, took place Thursday at Lenoir City High School. Before the game someone vandalized part of the stadium. A pressure washing crew was hired to get rid of the graffiti and other damage. One parent said things like this are a yearly occurrence in this rivalry.

“I wasn’t surprised. It seems like we do it to each other every year,” Andy Rittenhouse said. “Obviously, it’s always harmful and I would love to see it stop.”

Amy Mizer, another Lenoir City parent, said the focus needs to move to the love of the game instead of damaging property.

“They had the lights on late so I think hey were trying to get it to stop, but they still found a way to make it happen,” Mizer said. “I wish we could keep it about the football game and the kids and have fun. They took it a little too far. A little fun is good, but this was a little too far.”

According to Rittenhouse, things like this, although less extreme, happen to both schools before the yearly match-up. He added Lenoir City has been culprits too.

“We’ve been culprits just as often,” Rittenhouse said. “We’ve gone over there. I’ve been here many, many years and we’re not innocent.”

One parent added she enjoys a rivalry like the Battle of the Bridge, but vandalism to this degree should never happen.

“I think we can all appreciate a good ole fashioned rivalry but the vandalism takes it a little bit too far,” Kari Jett said. “If we could just play a football game that would be great.”