GREENSBURG Pa. – Westmoreland Steeler fans feel heartbroken as Steelers Training Camp from Saint Vincent College to Heinz Feild.
This marks the first time in 54 years, that the Steelers will not make their 40 mile hike to Saint Vincent. Westmoreland residents tell TGH that the training camp is an essential part of Westmoreland County summer tourism.
“Steeler coming to Westmoreland County is huge for us here, there’s a lot of businesses that rely on their visit to bring in money.” LA Fitness member in Westmoreland, Ej McCarthy, told TGH reporters.
Each year, die-hard Steeler fans from all over the country would unite at the small catholic college in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
“There’s a lot of people that can’t afford tickets. The fans here only get one chance a year to see the Steelers in person, because people from this area can’t afford seasonal tickets this year.” McCarthy explained to TGH about the importance of the Saint Vincent practices.
The training camps, regularly draw thousands of fans each day and averages roughly 15,000 fans per year. However, Governors Wolf’s COVID-19 order bans all gathering of over 250 people taking place.
Wolf’s order led the Steelers to move practices from Saint Vincent to Heinz Field, which will be closed to the public.
The NFL made a statement Thursday that “ fans will not be permitted at training camp this year to spectate practices. However, teams may organize up to two events at their stadium, provided they adhere to all state and local guidelines,” Steeler Depot reported July 16.
With the Steelers not coming to Westmoreland this year, locals feel they are missing out.
“I’m not sure if fans from Pittsburgh would go if they are asked to wear masks.” Westmoreland Steeler fan, Kim Schmit, said when asked about the local attendance of the event.
Schmit added, “I know one of my relatives from Texas would go and wear a mask, but I’d say its 50/50 if were talking about local fans.”
Schmit is also a member at the local LA Fitness, where players most frequent, because of the amenities player’s use when the day’s practice had ended, according to others.
One LA Fitness member later added, “My friend worked out with Antonio Brown when he came here two summers ago.” The member added that his friend hung out with Brown over his house.
The Steelers plan on having practices at Heinz Field starting July 28.
There are no announcements if the Steelers will hold events for fans at Heinz Field.
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