Steelers fans from across the United States converge on Latrobe for training camp
LATROBE, Pa. (KDKA) - As Fred Rogers would say, it's a beautiful day in this neighborhood.
The Steelers are back in action at Saint Vincent College and Thursday is the first day they take the field for their annual training camp.
Fans began arriving early in the morning, in fact, some fans were reportedly even sleeping in their cars overnight. Everyone is excited to see their Steelers back in action as a brand-new season looms.
KDKA-TV spoke with fans from not just Pittsburgh, but places like Virginia and Florida. Many people are returning to training camp as it is a yearly ritual for many black and gold fans, but for some, this is their first experience in Latrobe. That includes Jessica Green from Kentucky.
"This is our first time at camp, it means a lot because we love the Steelers in our family," she said. "My family growing up, we all always watched the Steelers and I happened to marry someone who loved the Steelers. It's a good family tradition and we're going to pass that down to our kids."
Now, for fans still interested in checking out the Steelers camp, you can find a full list right here. Also, remember, while it is free to watch the Steelers practice at Saint Vincent College, you do still need a ticket which you can purchase on Ticketmaster right here.
Training camp brings boom in business to Latrobe
It's no secret that Steelers training camp brings in a lot of business for shops in Latrobe. From restaurants to hotels, thousands of people come through while looking to get a glimpse of the black and gold.
While some people KDKA-TV spoke with are from southwestern Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, others came from far and away to watch the Steelers practice -- like Solomon Johnson and his son from Sacramento, California.
"Yesterday was his birthday," Johnson said. "So, he decided to come out. Instead of having a big party with his friends, he wanted to be at training camp. So, that's where we are."
Down Route 30 at Sharky's Café, they've been getting the residual effects of training camp for three decades.
"It always, always is a huge impact for us," said owner Johnathan Hummie.
As practice time moves up this year, businesses like Sharky's are still welcoming fans with open arms.
Business usually goes up by 30-40%, but they're trying to gameplan when people come up to eat following practices.
"We're planning for a 1, 1:30 hit after everybody does the autographs and hits up some of the activities over there," Hummie said. "We're expecting it shortly after that."
All that activity has people hitting up the hotels, like the Springhill Suites in Latrobe. Tonya Matella is the director of operations and does a lot.
"Housekeeping, food and beverage, front desk, laundry," Matella said. "Whatever needs done, I do it."
Matella even drives the shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel is fully booked, but no one there is complaining.
"We just love having them here," she said. "It's a chance for us to hire new people, and it brings us a lot of business in."
