Seeking training camp advice

Been a Steelers fans over 40 years and originally from the burg but never been to training camp. It's a long time coming so I think I might make the trek this year. One of the reasons is because I think the intesity will be at a higher peak with the changes coming and the expectancy for being better offensively for the team.

I want to go just one day and want to know through who ever has been there which particular day has the best drills. Can anybody help with this?

I know some days are better for autographs, 7 on 7 drills ect but if I could pinpoint the best possible for full contact on the bubble drills which would it be.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

the backs on backers drill is usually the camp favorite. the goal-line drills.

i think the steelers main web site generally posts an 'event calendar' detailing all of the the practices as camp gets nearer.

i feel a bit old to chase other guys around for signatures, but the kiddies generally line up along the walkway the players use to get from the weight room/cafeteria to the practice fields.

 

In my experience, the afternoon practice, which is the only one open to the public, is lower intensity on any day. However, generally, the last 45 minutes or so is usually a pretty good 11-on-11 drill that generates excitement from the fans. You may want to check the schedule and go when they have the practice at Latrobe High School stadium. I think they usually try to plan that one with the fans in mind.

As far as autographs go, it's tough. Believe it or not, Ben is the easiest one to get an autograph from. He typically signs along the fencing area to the right of the bleachers. Occasionally someone else will come that way as well. If you go up the walkway or to the "official" autograph area, I hope you're not claustrophobic, because it is jammed up there.

I really miss the camps from my childhood. We went every year, and there were no fences and no bleachers. You sat on the grass on the hillside and when practice was over, the players came right through. Many would sign autographs all the way to the locker room. Then, if you waited until after they ate, you could catch even more. Both morning and afternoon practices were open to the public and it was an all day event. Now, like everything, it is very commercialized and controlled. I think you'll have a good time, though.

 

I thought with the new cba there wasn't going to be training camps anymore?

 

Originally from western PA, left many moons ago and I want to go to St Vincent for training camp too. I going to make it a week long vacation type deal where I see old family and friends and attend camp a day or two.

Kind of strange that transplants like us have that on our wish list. It's on mine, going to make it happen.

"I'm on my way, on my way, Home Sweet Home!" LOL

 

No - the CBA never said anything about eliminating training camps. They just decided to eliminate any kind of HITTING in training camps. Basically, I think they're going to be a lot more like kids' SUMMER camps. Players will have the option to choose among activities such as swimming, nature walks, arts and crafts, archery, and other fun-filled events. They'll each get a camp t-shirt and end every day with a sing along around a campfire. It'll probably be a bit of adjustment for fans to watch, but no one said ANYTHING about eliminating camp!

 

I moved to Ohio almost 20 years ago, but I always make the trip back for at least one day of camp. I can't afford game tickets, so it's as close as I can get to live professional football. Besides - there are ALWAYS tons of fans there, and they cheer from the bleachers as if they were watching a real game. It is definitely worth the trip home for. Maybe I'll see you there. :-D

 

There's probably just new rules.
Roger wasn't able to gift wrap the trophy to the Pats so they agreed that 31 other teams had to find a specific location from which Bob Kraft hand selected where no cameras are supposed to be set up. Roger kindly agreed since they haven't been able to win the big one since Spygate.

 

I posted the new rules above.

 

Yep, sure enough. Grew up along the western PA/Ohio border and what a time! My buddies and girl friends were from the Ohio side (LOL)! All Steelers' fans of course.

I'm west coast now, in fact, I'm in the desert. Been all over the world through work and I can tell you there is no place like western PA and there is no one like a Steelers' fan.

Cya @ camp fer sure!

 

Maybe we need to get a big sign that says "thesteelersfans.com" and everyone try to sit together - watch some training camp - get some new members - and talk some Stillers in PERSON!

 

In training camp, there will no longer be 2-a-day practices, and maximum of 4.5 hours of field time per day will be allowed. One padded practice limited to 3 hours in training camp, with a second practice limited to non-helmet walk through.

 

That's right, I forgot about the new "camp cupcake" rules in the cba. No wonder players seemed to get injured more last year with no ota's and a shortened camp due to the holdout. This year's rules make it sounds more like summer camp than training camp.

 

I attended camp in 08, 09, and 10. I loved it, hope to make it again this summer. My wife's best friend is from Latrobe, so we go there a lot to visit. Some tips:

1. Not many of the stars tend to autograph along the path leading down to the field. Ryan Clark does, and he's a riot. Ben, Troy, and Hines (not sure he'll be there this year) tend to sign after practice at the bleachers (as someone already pointed out).

2. Before or after practice go to Gioio's for pizza. Unbelievable. I have never had pizza crust like that before.

3. Stay out of the Steeler souvenir tent unless you want to spend a lot of money.

4. If you sign up for the official Steelers Fan Club you are eligible to go down to the field and watch practice from there.

[attachment=0:325vyl7d]Steelers Camp 2010b.JPG[/attachment:325vyl7d]

 

Its a great experience. If you have kids, they have the Steelers experience that is great for the kids. Lots of games and things. Also, if you are lucky, at the end of practice you can get a picture with the Head Coach, however, you must get in the line early and will miss the practice. You have to make a decision, do you want to watch practice or get in the line to get a picture with Coach Tomlin. A good thing to do if you want to watch practice is to come with another person like your wife, friend, or some other relative who will stand in the line while you watch practice then you can go and get in the line with the person who was standing their for you. If you wait until after the practice, you will not be able to get a picture becase they cut the line off before practice is over. They only let so many people get in the line.

The best day to come is Friday night when they go to the local high school at Latrobe HS football field. You will have a good chance to get a few autographs. Its up close and personal. Stay over night at one of the local Latrobe hotels or stay with a friend or relative in Pittsburgh and then go to the Saturday afternoon practice. Its great and you will have your fill of Steelers Football at camp.

They also have the Steeler souvenir tent at camp but, bring a lot of cash because it is expensive. They also sell Steelers stuff at the Friday night practice at the high school.

All together, its a great experience and you will have fun. Have a plan and be resilient so you can maximize your camp experience.

One good thing about the year after they miss the Super Bowl, camp is usually good because they are on a mission.

Have fun. I probally will go this year too.