For the second year in a row due to pandemic protocols, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t present at the small Catholic university in Latrobe, PA just 40 miles east of the city.
From my perspective, there is a ton of difference on the impact of two-a-day practice sessions and fan experience that will be missed completely. For over 50 years since the dynasty of the 70s teams was born, the Steelers have settled their three-week training program in the small knit community of Saint Vincent College. Thousands of fans, media, alumni, and current members of Steelers Nation participate in the official kickoff of the annual new campaign. Without having to pay except for concessions and merchandise, it’s a great two hours of watching Steelers players competing in individual and team drills from a lot of fan’s backyards.
You can get up-close to the action if you’re a VIP guest or in the grandstands close to the sideline. At the end, if time allows, there is ample opportunity to speak to many players and receive autographs before they head off back to their temporary dorms or to their homes for the day. From my perspective, it’s worth the time and traveling to attend.
While it was a tough decision for training camp not to be held at the college even though there would have been time to clean up, sanitize, and disinfect the campus before students arrive for a new collegiate year, it won’t feel like the same practice compared to previous years. Between the 2021 Training Camp session and years past, there will be 3 distinct differences that will be missed out on that hopefully will return in 2022.