Steelers training camp location, history, and fun facts

Nothing quite screams 'tradition' like making the trip to Steelers training camp. For some fans, this has been a part of their summer plans for years. Others who haven't attended training camp in person choose to follow the practice sessions closely by catching up on the latest news.

Steelers training camp is always an awesome time and a terrific experience. If you haven't had the opportunity to attend any of Pittsburgh's practice sessions yet, we would highly recommend doing so. Here's what you need to know.

Steelers training camp location:

The Steelers have a storied history of holding their training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This started all the way back in 1966 and, apart from a brief hiatus due to covid in 2020 and 2021, is still going on today.

Training camp at St. Vincent College is easy to find and both parking and admission are free. In recent years, fans have been required to preregister on the team's official website. Practices typically are scheduled to start at 1:55 p.m. Eastern Time and run for roughly two hours. However, there is also an annual Friday Night Lights practice held at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

St. Vincent College has bleacher seating that typically fills up pretty fast. It's first-come, first-serve, so get there early if you want a seat. However, hundreds of fans choose to sit on the hillside overlooking the practice field or bring their own camping chairs.

Steelers training camp history:

The first Steelers training camp began all the way back with the creation of the team in 1933. This took place in Greensburg, Pennsylvania at Newell's Grove. Over the years that followed, the Steelers bounced around for training camp.

According to the Steelers' official website, these locations included Mt. Pleasant High School (1934), South Park, Pittsburgh (1935), St. Francis University in Loretto (1938-1940), Hershey (1941-1942, 1945-1946), Alliance College in Cambridge Springs (1947-1951), St. Bonaventure University in Allegany (1958-1960), and California University of Pennsylvania (1958-1960).

In the '60s, Steelers training camp made stops at Slippery Rock University (1961), West Liberty University (1962-1963), and the University of Rhode Island (1964-1966) before making its home at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania -- where training camp continues today. The team was forced to take a two-year break during the Covid pandemic where they stayed home and practiced at Heinz Field in 2020 and 2021.

Fun facts about Steelers training camp:

1. The Steelers have three grass fields and a turf field that they use for training camp practices at St. Vincent College. The grass field closest to the bleachers is typically reserved for the offense in the early part of practice, while the defense hits the far field. The offense and defense meet up on the field closest to the bleachers toward the end of practice for team sessions.
2. As you enter Steelers training camp from the parking lot at St. Vincent College, there are typically games, photo ops, vendors, food trucks, activities, and a temporary Steelers store where you can purchase apparel and even player-worn practice jerseys.
3. Fans routinely align the path from the facility to the field in hopes of snagging autographs -- most of which occur after practice has concluded.
4. During training camp, players buddy up and stay in the college dorm room at St. Vincent. This is all part of the tradition.
5. Steelers training camp is a massive revenue driver for the city of Latrobe while camp is in session. Fans come from all around to see their team practice. In the process, many hotels, restaurants, and businesses are often very busy during this time.