Training Camp advice?

[Pollardo40]

If this isn't the right place to post this I apologize. Somebody tell me and I will repost in the correct area.

After being a lifelong Steelers fan, I am finally making the trip to Pittsburgh for the first time ever. I have been planning for years to go to training camp and telling myself "this is the year" for a long time. We are staying in Pittsburgh for a few days and driving to SVC in Latrobe to visit training camp. I guess the point of this post is - Are there any tips or pointers for a first time visitor to training camp? Best time to arrive? Where I can hope for autographs? Anything that you guys think I should know I'm hoping to hear.

I appreciate any help! And again, I'm sorry if this is the wrong area for this post.

 

[slashsteel]

Off of 30 you will see a Steelers training camp - St Vincent signs.

Once you turn onto that road it will be the first road to the left. The earlier you are there the earlier you can park (look for a line of cars get behind them), and follow the people as they will be walking around to get in line past the Steeler store (they take credit cards) -past the tents -past the stadium seating... walk to a line where they will lead you to the gym area. You can get autographs there or by stadium seats bordering the field. You personally can get autographs but some players prefer to give it to the kids. As they don't sell their autographs on eBay. (usually). I think 12 is when they let you in to park and 1 something to get to early autograph areas. Practice is like 255 somewhere around there. So arrive 10/1030

What to bring:

money (cash)
water (good and plenty)-----> -cooler - ice -if you are practice watcher - camera and blanket or sturdy lawn chairs-
sun protection. If you are fair skinned hats/umbrellas.
Reliable markers (keep the lid on when not in use)
Signs or personal player pics can get their attention, and you a autograph.
There is a cafeteria(cash) inside that has food if you need a break from outdoors, or you can eat outdoors if you buy tickets. Indoor cash, outdoors tickets.(which you purchase with cash for food/drinks)
Poncho in the car for emergencies with one change of clothes. Check the radar report that morning.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Are there any tips or pointers for a first time visitor to training camp?
Soak it in, it's a cool experience. There will be people from all over the country coming for practice and if you're lucky, you may even be sitting next to some long-shots relative watching. I was by a relative of Nix in his first year as a Steeler and it was awesome to see how proud he was.

Anyway, you'll park in the fields behind the dorms. There is a Steelers experience and Steelers shop area over here. A lot of fun things to do with the kids and some cool photo ops. Food and drinks are also sold in this area, but I'd recommend bringing your own water (they do check bags).

Bring a good camera because you can get some great pictures.

There's almost always room in the bleachers, but the earlier you get there, the better seats you can get. As long as the weather is good, they'll do most team drills on the field closest to the bleachers. The offense and special teams practices here as well, the defense on the far field nearest the academic buildings. During 7 v 7 and 11 v 11, they switch ends of the field and if you sit too low, the clock could be in your way. If you plan on sitting on the hill, it can be steep in areas. I'd either bring a chair or a blanket.

Best time to arrive?

There is a certain time they'll let you on campus (I can't remember exactly). You can't get on campus too early, especially during the morning practice--no fans are permitted to watch this one.

Where I can hope for autographs?

Anywhere along the path where the players leave the locker room to head down the stairs and to the field. You won't always see the big names on the way back up because a lot will ride a golf cart straight to the dorms. Some will also catch some of the fans on either side of the bleachers. If you're looking for younger player, definitely by the path. Not sure when you're going, but the night practice at Latrobe Stadium is a great time to get autographs as well.

Anything that you guys think I should know I'm hoping to hear.

Dino's and Sharky's are two great sport bars within a few minutes of Saint Vincent. Dino's has amazing wings, but the rest of the food is better at Sharky's. There's also a Primanti's about 10 minutes down Rt. 30 if you want to check that out.

 

[Steelworth]

Wow, what a picture. And great advice guys, what an experience it must be. Enjoy Pollardo.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Off of 30 you will see a Steelers training camp - St Vincent signs.

Once you turn onto that road it will be the first road to the left. The earlier you are there the earlier you can park (look for a line of cars get behind them), and follow the people as they will be walking around to get in line past the Steeler store (they take credit cards) -past the tents -past the stadium seating... walk to a line where they will lead you to the gym area. You can get autographs there or by stadium seats bordering the field. You personally can get autographs but some players prefer to give it to the kids. As they don't sell their autographs on eBay. (usually). I think 12 is when they let you in to park and 1 something to get to early autograph areas. Practice is like 255 somewhere around there. So arrive 10/1030

What to bring:

money (cash)
water (good and plenty)-----> -cooler - ice -if you are practice watcher - camera and blanket or sturdy lawn chairs-
sun protection. If you are fair skinned hats/umbrellas.
Reliable markers (keep the lid on when not in use)
Signs or personal player pics can get their attention, and you a autograph.
There is a cafeteria(cash) inside that has food if you need a break from outdoors, or you can eat outdoors if you buy tickets. Indoor cash, outdoors tickets.(which you purchase with cash for food/drinks)
Poncho in the car for emergencies with one change of clothes. Check the radar report that morning.

A true Veteran of attendance.!!!!! One day I hope to get there and when I do, it is here I will ask for advice. Can't go wrong with this detailed information. AWESOME. Thanks for sharing with us rookie vergins





Salute the nation

 

[Stryker]

I got Hines' autograph on the downhill side just past where the stairs end, before practice. Your only chance at autographs are before and after practice. Good luck!

 

[slashsteel]

OH yeah I almost forgot. Over the years I learned there is some areas better than others for autographs and for just practice watching. I usually separate the two into different days. But with autographs besides coming early and finding a solid spot to say before and after practice. You really have to plan for 2 to 3 days of visits. The players might be tired, or got bitched at, rain factors in etc. Meaning one day you might get 30 autographs, another day nothing. So don't be mad if that one day doesn't turn out like you expect. Plan for it. If you plan for multiple days your odds improve dramatically.

Yeah DIC I have been going to training camp as long as I remember. Obviously less when I lived outside of Pittsburgh but still found my way up, it was my go to sometimes even in the off-season for a place to think. Pretty peaceful there when the crowds are gone. But now that I have been in PA for 8 years, makes it a helluva lot easier to go as much as I would like.

 

[Pollardo40]

You guys are awesome! This has definitely helped a lot. I am making the 5 hour drive from Indianapolis Sunday and staying just a few days, so I'll only be able to make camp one day. I'm excited to explore the city of Pittsburgh and surroundings also. It's going to be a special trip, I've been waiting a good while to finally make it to Pittsburgh. Quite possibly may propose to my girlfriend on Grandview Overlook at Mount Washington as well. I've been looking into that a lot and it may be a perfect time and place.

 

[jitter77]

i would skip the autographs. From my exp if you go for autographs you have to wait along the path and you will miss practice. Also some people are real idiots. They will literally full sprint once the gate opens to get their spot. We are talking about grown men here. They will also push little kids out of the way which is sad. Sometimes after practice if you wait outside some players will come out and sign for a bit.

 

[slashsteel]

i would skip the autographs. From my exp if you go for autographs you have to wait along the path and you will miss practice. Also some people are real idiots. They will literally full sprint once the gate opens to get their spot. We are talking about grown men here. They will also push little kids out of the way which is sad. Sometimes after practice if you wait outside some players will come out and sign for a bit.

They walk that line down now, no more of that stupid **** of days ago.....