What, where, when at Steelers' camp

By Dale Lolley

Jul 25, 2018 • 12:00 am

4.5K

LATROBE, Pa. -- The Steelers take training camp very seriously. It’s one of the reasons why they go away from their state-of-the-art practice facility on the South Side to head an hour or so east to turn this sleepy Westmoreland County town on its ear each year when the team reports to Saint Vincent College.

This year will mark the Steelers’ 53rd year here, which trails only Green Bay, which stays at St. Norbert College in De Perl, Wis., in terms of longevity when it comes to going away for camp. But, St. Norbert is actually only about a 5-minute drive — if that — from Lambeau Field. And Ray Nitschke Field and Clark Hinkle Field, where the Packers actually practice, are part of the Lambeau complex. So the Packers don’t really go away to camp.

The fact is, nearly 66 percent of the league now has training camp at its regular practice facility, stadium or within 10 miles of team headquarters.

That’s what makes training camp at Saint Vincent College such a unique experience. And it’s one Mike Tomlin has no intention of changing.

“You guys know I love camp,” Tomlin said at the end of mini-camp. “I’d go tonight. It’s just how I am. I’m a football lover. I love that environment. I love the unintended consequences of training camp, the unique bonding opportunities, the growth opportunities individually and collectively. I appreciate our relationship with those guys up there in Latrobe at Saint Vincent. I look forward to it.”

Because of the unique environment, the Steelers only charge admission to one of their open practices — which this year run from Thurs., July 26 through Tues., Aug. 14 — that being the night practice Fri., Aug. 3 at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. That event serves as a fundraiser for the Latrobe High School football program and draws upwards of 10,000 people each year.

So where do you go if you’re coming out to one of the 14 other practices not at Latrobe Memorial Stadium? And where are the best places to watch or get autographs and interact with the players?

We’ll run down some of that today.

PARKING

Parking at Saint Vincent College is easy to access, either off Route 30 via Saint Vincent Drive, or Route 981 via Monastery Drive. And there’s plenty of it.

Parking is free and located in the fields adjacent to the camp entrance. Handicap parking also is available. See a parking lot attendant upon arrival.

Since practices start at 2:55 p.m. — with the exception of the night practice — fans typically start to arrive between noon and 1 p.m. The campus opens to the public two hours before practice. The Steelers also have numerous activities and events to occupy fans while they wait. They are open from noon to 6 p.m. each day.

Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers

WHERE TO WATCH

If you’re there to take in the practice and don’t want to miss a thing, the best spot to set up is in the stands overlooking Chuck Noll Field. There’s also plenty of hillside seating since the field sits in a bowl.

If you’re OK sitting on the grass, bring a blanket or chair. There are some flat spots that can be put to use.

If it’s autographs you’re after, you’ll want to be near the baseball field in the middle of campus that overlooks the football field. Most of the players come up the walkway to get back to the locker room and come directly through that area — though some of the veterans do take carts to go up to the top.

The area right outside the locker room is the best spot for autographs. But be warned, the crowd can get several people deep there, so it can be a bit crowded for little ones.

The area just before the locker room also includes an area for handicapped fans to view practice.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Keep an eye on the safeties. The Steelers brought in three new ones -- Morgan Burnett, Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen -- and it will be interesting to see how they are paired and where they are deployed.

• Who replaces Ryan Shazier? Jon Bostic was signed in free agency and Tyler Matakevich is now healthy after offseason shoulder surgery. Matakevich ran with the first team throughout the offseason. We'll see if and how long that continues.

• Mason Rudolph. Not a lot to say here. Rudolph's progression or lack thereof will be one of the main storylines in this camp. Seen as the potential heir to Ben Roethlisberger, does he prove that on the field?

• What changes will Randy Fichtner bring as offensive coordinator? Fichtner has been with the team since 2007, serving as receivers coach and then coaching the quarterbacks. Now, he's added the offensive coordinator duties to those of quarterbacks coach. He's not expected to overhaul the offense, but there will be some tweaks.

• Who wins the No. 3 receiver job? James Washington was drafted in the second round after Martavis Bryant was traded. Can the rookie get up to speed to work with Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster? If not, Justin Hunter, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Marcus Tucker will be in the running.

WHAT TO BRING

An umbrella is always a good idea, since storms can blow up in the Laurel Highlands quite quickly. As mentioned, a blanket or lawn chair also can be helpful.

Sunscreen, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, binoculars, small items to autograph, a pen or marker are welcome. Alcohol, drugs, whistles, video cameras, grills and pets are prohibited.

There are concession stands located at Chuck Noll Field and a merchandise tent near the Steelers Experience area that also offers refreshments along with plenty of Steelers gear. The Shack, a snack bar inside the Robert S. Carey Student Center, also offers drinks and snacks.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

So, you might watch practice and wonder exactly what you’re seeing. Typically, the players come out, do some light positional work and then spread out for the team stretch.

Ramon Foster has taken over as the ringleader for the stretch, calling out various team members as they stretch. It’s always one of the lighter moments of practice and worth being close enough to hear.

After the stretch, the team officially breaks off into position drills. Then, there will be 11-on-11 and competition sessions that include some tackling — at least leading up to the team’s first preseason game.

The first two practices, per the CBA, are non-padded practices and thus there cannot be contact. The first padded practice will be Sat., July 28.

A complete practice schedule appears below: