Program
There will be 18 Steelers practices for fans to attend. The fan-related festivities begin on July 27 when the Steelers hold their first (helmet-only) practice. The first full pad training will take place the following Monday, August 1st. The last practice open to the public before the end of the camp will take place on August 18.
The popular “Friday Night Lights” night practice will take place on August 5 at 7 p.m. at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Greater Latrobe Athletic Office on the Greater Latrobe Senior High Campus (131 High School Road, Latrobe, PA 15650). Tickets can also be purchased at Latrobe Memorial Stadium throughout the day on August 5. Tickets are $5, but kids under 5 get in free.
The Latrobe Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Steeler Fest on the adjacent street outside the stadium from around 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, vendors and a band. The team will hold an autograph session approximately 20 to 25 minutes before practice begins. A Zambelli firework crowns the evening.
Women’s training camp, where women can perform on-court drills led by former Steelers, gain sideline access during practice and participate in an autograph session, is Saturday, August 6.
All practices (except Friday Night Lights) are scheduled for 1:55 p.m., but doors open to the public at noon. Admission is free, but you need a ticket, with the team suggesting mobile ticketing for the quickest and most secure entry.
Although autographs are not guaranteed, players regularly visit the fan areas after practice to sign items. There will also be an official Steelers Pro Shop for official team merchandise and memorabilia, as well as the Steelers Nation Unite tent where visitors can spin a prize wheel and participate in various drills. Tailgating is not permitted.
The Hampton Inn hotel and Sharky’s Cafe on Lincoln Highway in Latrobe are two of many choices for onlookers and visitors. (Alexandra Wimley/Post Gazette)
Where to stay
Free parking is available for fans attending the camp. The entrance to the parking lot is located at the intersection of Promenade Saint-Vincent and Chemin Brouwers and is indicated by directional signs.
Americans with Disabilities Act compliant parking is located at the intersection of Saint Vincent Drive and Fraser Purchase Road. Once you arrive at the Saint Vincent campus, you can follow Monastery Road to the ADA designated lot.
If you make it a trip longer than a day trip, there is no shortage of places to stay, traditional or otherwise.
For hotels, Latrobe has a Hampton Inn and a SpringHill Suites by Marriott, while nearby Greensburg sports a Hampton Inn and a Red Roof Inn. Other options include a Ramada by Wyndham in Ligonier and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Donegal Township.
There are also plenty of options on online accommodation sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Fans search for their favorite players as they take to the pitch during training camp in 2019 at Saint Vincent College. (Alexandra Wimley/Post Gazette)
Before you leave
In keeping with fan safety, there are numerous rules and regulations in place for Steelers training camp.
There is a clear bag policy, and bags cannot exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Prohibited items include firearms, fireworks, alcohol, audio recording devices, laser pointers, noisemakers, and cigarettes of any kind, including vapes. Beyond these, security may prohibit items it deems unsafe or unacceptable.
Fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as bleacher space is limited. Pets are not permitted to attend unless they are service animals. It is also forbidden to film or record practices on any device.
Local EMS, Campus Security, and Law Enforcement representatives will be available on campus.
Fans will not be required to wear masks or be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend.
Chuck Noll Field is at the center of the Saint Vincent campus. (Alexandra Wimley/Post Gazette)
What’s new
Well, technically, if you’ve been gone for two years, it’s all new, because this is the Steelers’ first training camp open to the public in Saint Vincent since 2019.
But, really, isn’t that the beauty of it? With most sporting events and fan experiences trying to lure in new visitors with upcoming tech and fancy promotional packages, it seems Steelers training camp this year is all about getting back to a sense of normalcy. , in the traditional way before everything changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. So it seems the Steelers are looking more for a newfound sense of camaraderie than any of the flashy eye-catchers you might expect from annual updates to beloved events.
People eat and drink at Dino’s Sports Lounge in Latrobe. (Alexandra Wimley/Post Gazette)
Where to eat + drink
On campus for training camp, fans will have access to concessions, including kitchen-style grills and various beverages, but local businesses will no doubt be eager to cash in on some of the business they’ve lost to the game. past two years without the Steelers coming to town.
Sharky’s Cafe bills itself as “the area’s most comprehensive sports restaurant” and boasts over 30 HDTVs, seating for up to 250, three pool tables, a game room and two golf simulators. The menu includes traditional American fare like burgers, wings, and cheesesteaks.
Dino’s is another option, with locations in Latrobe and nearby Greensburg. Monday and Tuesday are wing night (sweet and hot is a must-try flavor), with other daily specials throughout the week. They also have burgers, sandwiches and “gourmet superdogs”.
Want pizza? There is Jioio. In addition to their puff pastry pizzas with thin crust and sweet sauce, they also offer traditional sandwiches and pasta dinners. Try the pierogi pizza. Another opposite option would be Hotel Loyal, sporting thicker crusts on their pies.
For more traditional Italian fare, try Rizzo’s Malabar Inn in Crabtree. It’s on the way to Latrobe if you’re coming from Pittsburgh, and they serve homemade pasta dishes among other Italian favorites.
A view of Main Street in Latrobe, a short drive from the training camp. (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette.)
Around Saint Vincent College
Working out and looking for something else to do? There are plenty of them in Latrobe and Westmoreland County in general.
Latrobe was Fred Rogers’ (first) neighborhood. The Pittsburgh television icon was born there, so there are a few references to his life around town, including an exhibit at the Fred M. Rogers Center building on the Saint Vincent campus. There is also a statue of Rogers on a park bench at the corner of Jefferson and Main streets in James Hillis Rogers Park.
Other Westmoreland County attractions include Fort Ligonier, a historically accurate reproduction of the British fort from the French and Indian War; IdleWild Park & Soakzone theme park; Wolf Rocks overlooks, among other hikes and forest excursions; and life! Casino in Greensburg.
Top photo: Young fans reach out for high-fives from players as they enter the field at Steelers training camp, Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Saint Vincent College. (Alexandra Wimley/Post Gazette)
Design and development:
Tyler Pecyna/Post-Gazette
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