Saturday is the new Friday: Steelers shift traditional Latrobe practice to weekend
· Nathan Ferraro · 2026-08-07 · nguồn gốc
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ weekend practice at Latrobe Memorial Field is shifting to a 6 p.m. Saturday start, breaking a long-standing “Friday Night Lights” tradition amid several changes to training camp under coach Mike McCarthy.
Tyler Gustafson has been preparing for the event since February.
“It’s not a day-of kind of thing,” said Gustafson, the athletic director for Greater Latrobe High School. “It takes a lot. No other high school in the country gets to say they do this. I think the atmosphere this weekend will be unbelievable.”
Last year’s event drew more than 13,000 attendees and brought in a record-breaking $109,000 in proceeds. Gustafson hopes the new Saturday date will allow even more people to flock to the stadium.
“Last year was our biggest crowd yet,” he said.
Dan DeBone, president of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, said the region looks forward to more than just the event’s economic impact.
“This really gives an opportunity for Steelers fans to visit Westmoreland County,” he said. “That increased activity generates revenue, supports local jobs and reinforces the importance of tourism as a key part of our regional economy.”
Gustafson said he thinks the schedule change will be positive.
“I do think it will attract more people to Latrobe,” he said. “I think this was the perfect day for them to hold that event.”
The National Weather Service projects that rain is likely Saturday night. Gustafson noted that weather may impact attendance, but the event will go on as scheduled unless there is lightning.
“I don’t see them canceling the event at all,” he said.
Proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, and 50-50 raffles go directly to Greater Latrobe School District athletics and other local organizations involved in the event.
Steelers Fest at Legion Keener Park will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the Steelers Youth Mini-Camp for kids ages 6 to 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. and autograph sessions from 2 to 4 p.m.
Practice is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and will conclude with a Zambelli fireworks show.
Free parking for fans is available in fields adjacent to the stadium, as well as at city parking garages and on the street.
General admission to the practice is $15, and more details can be found at www.steelers.com/schedule/event-calendar/saturday-night-practice/.