The Steelers have been spending their summers in Latrobe for the past fifty years and this year they’re providing one of a kind experiences for fans to enjoy.
The NFL Network has made the trek out to Saint Vincent College to make the Steelers training camp experience just a little bit better this summer. They’ve brought out the NFL Training Camp Fan Zone to Latrobe for the opening weekend of Steelers training camp.
Although the rain covered the fields for most of the afternoon in Latrobe it didn’t stop the fans from enjoying the Fan Zone Catch foam pit where they can catch a touchdown and get a slo-mo video of their catch to share on social media.
Fans also could take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy for Super Bowl LI, which might as well just stay in Pittsburgh anyway, ammirite?
On Saturday I got to head down to camp and spend some time with Steelers legend Rocky Bleier to get his thoughts on how training camp has changed and what makes Steelers training camp so special.
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I asked him what his favorite training camp memory was.
"“There are a couple of training camp memories. They’re all long stories. Coming in the first day, there was always an electricity in the air and also with the first practice in pads. That was the first official contact drill like Mike Webster against Joe Greene.” – Rocky Bleier"
He also noted how he’s gone to training camp in San Francisco and their training camp is in their practice facilities where fans aren’t able to experience the practices like they do in Latrobe.
He explained how much the fan attendance grew from his first camp in 1968 till after the Steelers started winning playoff games and Super Bowls.
I asked Rocky who his favorite training camp roommate was and he had a pretty funny story to share.
"“My favorite roommate was Jack Lambert. We roomed together for six years. Rooming with Jack was great because there was our room and then there was Jack’s room so it was like having my own room.” – Rocky Bleier"
Bleier took pictures with fans for about two straight hours and was friendly and talkative with each one of them.
The rain came down and delayed Saturday’s practice by an hour but it was still an awesome day at Steelers training camp.
Next: Steelers fan guide to training camp
Here we go Steelers! Here we go!