Hart Blindsided in Pocketbook : Football: Game moved from earthquake-damaged College of Canyons to smaller Canyon High.

Officials at Hart and Canyon highs on Wednesday confirmed that the Oct. 14 football game between the schools will be switched to Canyon High because earthquake-damage repairs at the College of the Canyons stadium will not be completed in time.

The game between the Santa Clarita Valley rivals has drawn in the neighborhood of 10,000 spectators in recent years and provides a major source of income to both schools. Canyon High’s seating capacity is 4,500.

Cougar Stadium seats only 1,500 more, but overflow crowds spill onto the grass embankment on the visitor’s side of the stadium.

“We were anticipating it wouldn’t be ready,” said Canyon Principal Mike Allmandinger, whose Cowboys are the home team. “It’s a shame. But we’ll try to house as many people as we safely can.”

Advance tickets go on sale Monday at both schools. None will be sold at the gate. Allmandinger said Canyon will sell 2,500 tickets, Hart 1,500. The other 500 seats will be reserved for marching bands and school personnel.

Dale Basey, Hart associated student body director, said the change of venue will cost his school thousands of dollars. He said the game grosses between $16,000 and $20,000 from ticket sales, the home team receiving 60% of the cut. Hart, which will get 40%, uses its purse to support extracurricular activities. Basey estimates Hart’s losses will be in the $8,000- to $10,000 range.

“I have a feeling things could have been expedited at COC in getting the stadium ready,” Basey said. “I’m a little upset.”

Allmandinger said no other venue has been considered.

“It’s out of the question,” he said. “This is it.”

Basey said he hopes Cougar Stadium will be available for a Nov. 11 game between Hart and Saugus, Foothill League favorites this season.