After lacking 2024, I returned to Latrobe for the 2025 Steelers coaching camp, becoming a member of Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora and photographer Tim Rice for just a few thrilling days. With simply a few practices left earlier than the group heads to Pittsburgh for ultimate preseason prep, I’m sharing my perspective as a median fan.
Whereas Alex’s detailed notes and podcasts with Dave Bryan, paired with Tim’s stellar pictures (like this shot), cowl the on-field motion, I’ll give attention to the off-field expertise and logistics that can assist you plan your go to.
Attending to Latrobe and Discovering Inexpensive Lodging
The Steelers have held coaching camp at Saint Vincent Faculty in Latrobe yearly since 1966, besides in the course of the COVID hiatus. Nestled within the Laurel Highlands, it’s a few 90-minute drive from Pittsburgh Worldwide Airport, which affords probably the most flight choices. Followers drive from so far as South Carolina or Indiana, whereas locals like Alex commute day by day.
For out-of-state followers like me or Tim, lodging is essential. Latrobe resorts can hit $300 per night time throughout camp, so think about close by cities like Greensburg or New Stanton. I stayed in New Stanton, simply 12 miles away off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, for half the value. I met a father and son from Minnesota who drove down after catching a Pirates sport in Pittsburgh — their thirtieth MLB park. They liked that Steelers camp is free, in contrast to the Vikings’ paid practices, and wished the group luck (besides in Dublin, the place the Steelers face the Vikings in a 2025 worldwide sport). You may also discover cabins, bed-and-breakfasts, or RV tenting. My buddy Wealthy Frankenfield parked his RV on the Elks Lodge for Friday Evening Lights. A fast search on websites like Go Laurel Highlands will uncover loads of choices.
Navigating Coaching Camp Entry
Attending coaching camp is free, however you’ll want tickets from the Steelers web site for public practices. Right here’s easy methods to navigate entry:
- Parking: Free on a big grass area off Saint Vincent Drive, opening at 11 a.m. Arrive by 10:45 a.m. to queue up early and park inside 10-Quarter-hour, as it may well get congested. As I posted on X, arriving by 11:30 a.m. usually avoids lengthy traces.
- Safety: Traces type at ticket readers round 11:45 a.m. however transfer shortly. Port-a-potties close to the doorway are useful on arrival and departure.
- What to Carry: Pack a blanket for grass seating or to cushion the grandstand’s aluminum benches, a transparent NFL bag to hurry up safety, and binoculars to catch motion throughout all three fields.
Prime Tip: Carry water and sunscreen — shade is restricted and summer time warmth could be intense.
However be ready for an additional line. They don’t begin letting folks via safety and ticket readers till about 11:45 a.m. However similar to the automobile line, it strikes shortly as soon as it opens.
Thoughtfully, they’ve a row of port-a-potties within the parking zone close to the follow area entrance. These turn out to be useful on arrival and departure.
You possibly can carry blankets, drinks, chairs and different objects. I selected to carry a blanket plus had my additional objects in a transparent NFL bag, which prevented having to open the bag. The blanket is useful for both sitting on the grass across the fields or as improvised cushions for the onerous aluminum benches within the small grandstand. I prefer to pack a pair of binoculars since there could be actions on all three fields.
As soon as Inside
Entry to the grounds is obtainable almost two hours earlier than follow scheduled to start out. People prefer to stake out their spots on the grass or grandstand. There may be very restricted shade, so be sure to hydrate completely. There are a number of cubicles for photograph alternatives (no signatures). The Corridor of Honor Museum has a tent the place former Steelers have a photograph alternative from 12 to 1 p.m.. This previous week, I met LT Jon Kolb (1969-81), CB Bryant McFadden (2005-08, 2010-11), and RB Tim Worley (1989-93). I recognize the chance to share recollections of Steelers’ previous seasons with the gamers who skilled them.
There’s a children exercise space to deplete some power, and a Steelers Retailer to purchase game-worn memorabilia or different Steelers paraphernalia. However they’ve a bypass lane, so that you shouldn’t have to undergo the shop. After the Steelers Retailer, the grounds open up with some benches to picnic from the meals vehicles or what you packed in.
For autographs or shut up photos of gamers coming onto the sector, folks line up off to the left behind the grandstand alongside a sidewalk. They offer entry to the constructing the place the gamers come out about 10 minutes earlier than follow begins. If you’re fortunate, some gamers might signal objects earlier than follow. However the perfect alternatives come after follow ends.
The Apply Expertise and Leaving
Gamers trickle out in small teams, warming up throughout three fields earlier than full-team dynamic stretching close to the grandstand. The offense in white jerseys works in entrance of you, whereas the protection in yellow drills on farther fields. Highlights embody seven-shots (offense vs. protection from the two-yard line), seven-on-seven passing drills and two-minute drills.
Padded practices carry the depth with “popping” in backs-on-backers drills. Practices finish round 4:15 p.m. Autograph seekers collect close to the baseball infield fence as gamers cross by. I prefer to linger to look at gamers catching additional jugs machine balls, which additionally let’s site visitors clear for a better exit.
Exploring Past the Apply Subject
With just one follow day by day, you’ll have time to discover. I arrive for the parking queue by 10:45 a.m. and go away by 4:30 p.m. Close by eating places like Sharkey’s and Dino’s on Route 30 are fan favorites, usually internet hosting Steelers Nation Radio broadcasts or former gamers. At Dino’s, I loved their wings and noticed Brett Kiesel, Ryan Clark and Bryant McFadden at a close-by desk, joined by Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder for his or her Pivot Podcast.
I had a fast chat with Crowder, facilitated by Mike Marchinsky, the Steelers’ Alumni Relations head and brainchild of utilizing Renegade as an intern in 2001.
Take Benefit of the Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands, spanning Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties, affords loads for a household trip. Golfers can play programs tied to Latrobe native Arnold Palmer, structure buffs can go to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, and historical past lovers can discover Fort Ligonier or the Flight 93 Memorial. Nature trails and state parks abound.
Take a look at Go Laurel Highlands for extra data.
Conclusion
For those who’ve by no means been to Steelers coaching camp, don’t wait like I did — carry your loved ones and witness the group come collectively for the 2025 season. From assembly legends like Jon Kolb to watching present gamers in motion, it’s a one-of-a-kind expertise for any fan. Test the Steelers web site or Steelers Nation Radio for schedule updates and have a backup plan for lightning cancellations (they’ll follow in rain, however storms shut issues down). What’s your favourite coaching camp reminiscence, or what ideas would you share for first timers? Drop them within the feedback!
Your Music Choice
I all the time like to incorporate a little bit of music. To seize the laid-back vibe of a summer time day at coaching camp, right here is My Babe carried out by Little Walter. It’s an ideal soundtrack for stress-free on the grass whereas watching the Steelers grind.
