The 2012 Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College begins with all players under contract reporting on Wednesday, July 25, wih the first open practice taking place on Friday, July 27 at 3:00 p.m. The final Steelers training camp practice open to the public is on Friday, August 17.
When & Where
Morning practices at Steelers training camp are closed to the public, but afternoon and evening sessions are free and open to fans for watching. The only exception is the night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium (Latrobe High School) where a small admission fee is charged. Most practices (unless otherwise indicated) are held at St Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.Afternoon practices generally start at 3:00 p.m. and run to about 5:00 p.m. The St. Vincent campus opens two hours prior to the start of practice for fans. Parking lots open at 12 noon. The schedule varies for night practices. Bad weather may cause a practice to be cancelled at the last minute without notice, but other changes/cancellations will be announced on the 2012 Steelers Training Camp Blog.
What to Expect
As you arrive, you'll find plenty of free parking in the lots just across Fraser Purchase Road from the main entrance to St. Vincent College. Practices are held on the four grass playing fields at Saint Vincent and you'll find great views from the grassy hillsides surrounding the practice fields or along the fence that rings the fields. Seating is also available in the stands at Chuck Noll Field with excellent views of the main practice area. Visitors are welcome to bring chairs or blankets for viewing from any location outside the security fence. There are also handicap accessible areas.Snacks, sandwiches and drinks can be purchased at concession stands near the fields, as well as within the Robert S. Carey Student Center, northwest of the fields. The Book Store offers a variety of Steelers logo merchandise for sale.
What to Bring
Blanket or lawn chair, camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, food, soft drinks, ad something for autographs, plus a pen or Sharpie.What Not to Bring
Videotaping of Steelers workouts is not permitted and video cameras should not be brought on the campus. Alcoholic beverages, barbeque grills and pets are also not permitted on campus. Bags and coolers will be searched by security.Autographs
There are designated areas where fans are allowed to stand and ask for autographs as the players leave practice. Many Steelers players are happy to sign items, but it is up to each individual player whether or not they will sign on a particular day. Some may ask you to wait until after they shower. There will also be a 15-minute autograph session at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Aug. 3 before the evening practice.The Steelers Experience & Traveling Great Hall
The Steelers Experience takes place during afternoon open practice days at an adjacent field (St. Vincent baseball field) on the campus of St. Vincent College, with games and exhibits hosted by the Steelers to give fans their own taste of training camp and kids the option to test their football skills. Usually open from 1 1/2 hours before practice begins to one hour after practice ends (about 1:30 p.m - 6:00 p.m.) on open camp days. There is no Steelers Experience for the night game at St. Vincent. Alongside Steelers Experience, the traveling Coca-Cola Great Hall trailer brings fans the illustrious history of the Steelers organization as well as the opportunity to broadcast a play by play call of a great moment in Steelers history.2012 Steelers Training Camp Schedule - Open Practices
* All practices at 3:00 p.m. and in full helmet and pads unless otherwise indicated
Friday, July 27: Open practice (helmets and shorts only)
Saturday, July 28: Open practice
Sunday, July 29: Open practice
Monday, July 30: Players Day Off - Campus closed to public
Tuesday, July 31: Open practice
Wednesday, August 1: Open practice
Thursday, August 2: Open practice
Friday, August 3: Night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium 7:00 p.m. (Autographs 6:45-7:00 p.m.)
Saturday, August 4: Open practice
Sunday, August 5: Open practice
Monday, August 6: Players Day Off - Campus closed to public
Tuesday, August 7: Open practice
Wednesday, August 8: Campus closed
Thursday, August 9: Preseason: Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles 7:30 p.m., televised locally on KDKA
Friday, August 10: Campus closed
Saturday, August 11: Open practice
Sunday, August 12: Open practice
Monday, August 13: Players Day Off - Campus closed to public
Tuesday, August 14: Open practice
Wednesday, August 15: Open practice
Thursday, August 16: Open practice
Friday, August 17: Open practice
Saturday, August 18: Team breaks camp (no practice)
Sunday, August 19: Preseason: Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts 8:00 p.m. at Heinz Field, televised nationally on NBC
Saturday, August 25: Preseason: Steelers @ Buffalo Bills 7:00 p.m., televised locally on KDKA
Thursday, August 30: Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers 7:00 p.m. at Heinz Field, televised locally on KDKA
