The gag with someone digging for loot in the centre of a well known sports pitch did appear in an episode of the original British series called "Happy Release". This concerned a soon to be released prisoner called Norris, who is tricked into buying a treasure map from Blanco Webb (David Jason). At the end of the programme Norris is arrested trying to dig up the centre circle of Elland Road football ground, home of Leeds United. The episode was first transmitted in November 1975.
Coincidentally, supporters of George Davis (who was in prison after being convicted of bank robbery) dug up the pitch at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds during an England/Australia Test match in August 1975, causing it to be abandoned.
