Steelers will return to Saint Vincent College for training camp this year

LATROBE, Pa. — The announcement that the Pittsburgh Steelers are returning to Saint Vincent College for training camp is generating a lot of excitement in Latrobe.

After a two-year hiatus, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be making Latrobe their summer home once again.

“We’re super-excited to get not only the players and coaches, but the media guys, the fans, everyone back into the area. It’s not only good for us, but good for Latrobe as a whole,” Sharky’s Cafe General Manager John Heiple said.

“We love the Steelers here. They’ve always been apart of the Latrobe community and Saint Vincent College community,” Briana Tomack, of Greater Latrobe and Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said.

The Steelers stay in Latrobe is a long-storied tradition.

The Steelers started practicing at Saint Vincent college in 1966 and held 54 consecutive training camps in Latrobe — until the pandemic hit.

“The economic impact of them being away for two years has been difficult, in conjunction with the pandemic and loss of revenue for many of our businesses,” Tomack said.

The return of the black and gold is being welcomed back with open arms and open business.

“During those three to four weeks it’s usually a 30-40% increase, at least, if not more. It is definitely a big boost for us,” Heiple said.

“The influx of people here in the community, it’s obvious you can see it — the cars, the traffic, the people,” Tomack explained.

“For more than five decades, Saint Vincent College has proudly partnered with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and we are glad to have them back on campus after a two-year hiatus. It’s great for Saint Vincent and for the entire community. We look forward to their return this summer.” Fr. Paul Taylor, President of Saint Vincent College, said in a statement.

Steelers President Art Rooney II shared his a excitement in a news release: “We always appreciate the support from Saint Vincent as well as the Latrobe community. We look forward to having fans back on campus as we will be preparing for the 2022 season.”

Locals here said they are hoping the two-year pause will generate even more traffic and fanfare to the Laurel Valley.

“The love of the Steelers and the love of training camp, it combines to make everybody want to come, and I do think more people than ever will come because people just want to get out,” Tomack said.

Dates for training camp have not been set yet.

The Steelers said those dates will be released once the preseason and regular season schedule are finalized.

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