In six days, the Steelers will report to training camp in Latrobe and begin their stay over the next month, but it might not be an easy start to the camp for most of the players. Actually, it’s expected to be quite a sweltering heat right out of the jump for all of the players.
Early weather forecasts out in Latrobe call for 92 degree heat when the first practice occurs next Thursday. There’s always an adjustment period, but this will effectively act as a heat week with that type of heat right out of the gate. Friday is not much better, clocking in at an expected 91 degrees in the heat at St. Vincent’s College.
The humidity rating will be over 50 percent as well, up near 57 percent. That means the feels like temperature, at times, could approach near 100 degrees at times for the Steelers players on the first day of training camp. While it’s certainly hotter elsewhere, such as in the south, that is going to be a stark feeling for the players.
The week after that appears to be tamer, but it could be raining over the weekend, adding to the conditions that players could experience from the jump. Last year, Mike Tomlin made the team practice in the downpour of rain as long as there was no thunder or lightning present.
The Steelers will practice from July 27-30, Aug. 1-6, Aug. 8-9 and Aug. 13-17. All but the final practice will start at 1:55 p.m., with campus opening to fans at 11 a.m. The last practice session on Aug. 17 will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available for all 15 practices in Latrobe, with 13 of them taking place at Chuck Noll Field on the campus of St. Vincent’s College.
Tailgating is not permitted, but fans are allowed to bring chairs, blankets and food onto campus. No alcohol is permitted. The Steelers will run a pro shop and memorabilia stand. Food and beverages are available for purchase.