Where
Saint Vincent College, Route 30, Latrobe, Pa., where the Steelers have conducted training camp since 1966.
Meet and greet ‘legends’
Though subject to change, the Steelers have released a list of pre-selected former players who will do a “meet and greet” one day at camp. From fullback Merril Hoge on Day 1 (July 26) to tight end Randy Grossman on the last day (Aug. 15), some of the highlights include safety Donnie Shell (July 27), wide receiver Santonio Holmes (July 31) and linebacker Jason Gildon (Aug. 3). Those meet-and-greet sessions are scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. at the FedEx Air and Ground Zone at the entrance to camp.
Getting there
Via Steelers.com:
From the Pittsburgh International Airport and Pittsburgh area:
If traveling from the airport, follow signs to Pittsburgh and travel on I-376 East toward Pittsburgh for 17 miles through the Fort Pitt Tunnel. Stay in the right lane and follow I-376 East (Parkway East) for about 18 miles to the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit in Monroeville Milepost No. 56. Travel east on the Turnpike (I-76) to Milepost No. 67 Irwin. Upon exiting, bear right and follow U.S. Route 30 East to Latrobe for about 15 miles. Once you pass Westmoreland Mall, Saint Vincent College is about three-quarters of a mile east of that landmark.
From Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New Jersey and points east:
Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76 West, to exit 91 (old exit 9) Donegal, take Pennsylvania Route 711 North to junction with U.S. Route 30 in Ligonier, take Route 30 West 10.4 miles to the stop light at Saint Vincent Drive, turn right onto Fraser Purchase Road (unmarked), go a half-mile, and turn left onto campus.
From Erie, Buffalo and points north:
Take Interstate 79 south to its junction with I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at gate 28 (old gate 3) Cranberry
Perry Highway. Take I-76 east to exit 67 (old exit 7) Irwin/North Huntingdon, bear right at the exit ramp and take U.S. Route 30 East 15 miles. At the stop light at Saint Vincent Drive, turn left onto Fraser Purchase Road (unmarked), go a half-mile, and turn left onto campus.
From Baltimore, Washington and points south:
Take Interstate 70 west to its junction with I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at gate 161 (old gate 12) Breezewood, proceed on I-76 west to exit 91 (old exit 9) Donegal, take Pennsylvania Route 711 North to its junction with U.S. Route 30 in Ligonier, take Route 30 West 10.4 miles to the stop light at Saint Vincent Drive, turn right onto Fraser Purchase Road (unmarked), go a half-mile and turn left onto campus.
Parking
Via Steelers.com:
Free parking is available for all fans. The parking lot entrance is located at the intersection of Saint Vincent Drive and Brouwers Road, and is clearly marked by campus directional signage. ADA parking can be found at the intersection of Saint Vincent Drive and Fraser Purchase Road. Once on campus, take Monastery Road to the designated ADA lot.
Getting around
Campus opens to all fans at noon, and the players take the field at 2:55 p.m. (with the exception of Friday, Aug. 2 at Latrobe Memorial Stadium and Sunday, Aug. 4 at Heinz Field). There are restricted areas. An information booth is near the field, and campus security can answer questions.
Where to watch
Bleacher seating is available at Chuck Noll Field or blankets and lawn chairs are welcome for fans who wish to sit on the grass surrounding the fields. Handicap accessible areas also are available.
What to bring
Binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, food, soft drinks, water, camera, roster and whatever you might want for autograph purposes — pen, marker, autograph book, football, jersey, etc.
Refreshments
Visitors will have access to several concessions around campus serving an “assortment of summer cook-out style food, snacks, tasty desserts and various beverages.” Fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments as well, with picnic baskets and coolers permitted, but alcohol and barbecue grills not allowed.
Steelers gear
The Steelers Pro Shop tent near the entrance of camp will have a wide selection of team apparel and includes an area for team memorabilia.
Banned
Alcohol, drugs, smoking, tailgating, tents, tables, firearms, weapons, any type of fireworks, laser pointers, noisemakers (whistles, bells, air horns, etc.), video cameras or professional cameras/lenses, audio recording devices, boomboxes, flammable liquids, barbecue grills, profanity, graffiti and pets (exceptions made only for service animals).
Autographs, photos
The Steelers do not hold an official photo day as they did for many years, but they will sign autographs during camp. Autographs are not guaranteed, but unlike some NFL teams, the Steelers do not limit autographs to certain age groups. The best chances for photos or autographs come after practices on campus.
Fun for fans
• Play 60 Fun Zone (3:30-4:30 p.m.): Open to children grades 1-12, includes football-themed activities for an hour each day practice is open to the public. Children can register for the Play 60 Fun Zone when campus opens, and it is limited to the first 200 registrants. Located on the baseball field, on the left side of the Chuck Noll Bleachers.
• FedEx Air and Ground Zone (noon-5:45 p.m.): Located at camp entrance, open to fans of all ages and includes various football experiences such as wide receiver, quarterback and running back drills. All individuals 18 and older who sign up will be automatically entered for a chance to win two season tickets to Steelers 2020 home games at Heinz Field.
• Daily meet-and-greets with Steelers alumni, sponsored giveaways/raffles, and free face-painting.
Camp highlights
• Third annual Steelers Charity Walk (Saturday, July 27). Those who would like to participate can register at www.steelers.com/charitywalk. The Steelers also will announce their third Hall of Honor class July 27.
• Friday Night Lights evening practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium (Friday, Aug. 2). Event begins at noon outside the stadium, including photo opportunities with the franchise’s six Lombardi Trophies, free games, food and entertainment. Practice begins at 7 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m. and the cost to attend is $5. Tickets can be purchased that day at the stadium, or in advance by calling 724-539-4225 ext. 25205.
• Steelers Family Fest and practice at Heinz Field (Sunday, Aug. 4). Two days after the night practice in Latrobe, gates open at 5:30 p.m. and practice begins at 6:30 p.m. at the team’s home stadium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster.com/steelers.
Information
Steelers offices at UPMC Sports Performance complex (412-432-7800) and at Saint Vincent College (724-539-8515). If planning a bus trip, call 412-697-7713.
Where to stay
In Greensburg are the Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg on 700 Powerline Drive (724-834-3555); Four Points Hotel on 100 Sheraton Drive (724-836-6060); Hampton Inn Greensburg on 1000 Towne Square Drive (800-426-7866); The Inn at Mountain View on 300 Scenery Lane (724-691-0570); Super 8 Motel Greensburg on 111 Sheraton Drive (724 838-8080). In Latrobe are the Springhill Suites on 115 Arnold Palmer Drive (724-537-7800) and the Wingate Inn on U.S. Route 30 East (724-539-0400). In Ligonier is the Ramada Inn Ligonier on 216 W. Loyalhanna Street (724-238-9545).
First Published: July 21, 2019, 12:00 p.m.