A Few More Training Camp Questions

[rpmpit]

So the armpits have decided that we will make the pilgrimage to Latrobe one day next week, depending on how our schedules work out. I have a few questions for you guys/gals:

1. The practice that is open to the public is at 2:55p.m. - what time should we plan on getting there?? Also, what will our access be to the players? Armpit Jr. is so excited about meeting players, getting pics, autographs, etc. I just don't want him to be disappointed.

2. What is the UPMC Steelers Experience? It runs from 1:30-6p.m. Is it something we should do? Should we go before the 2:55p.m. practice? Will we have enough time after practice??

I appreciate any and all help/suggestions. This will be my first time going to training camp. Just want to know what to expect when I get there. Thanks!!

[rpmpit]

Anyone... anyone...

bueller-bueller.jpg

[flippy]

Anyone... anyone...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]621[/ATTACH]

I haven't been there in years, so I'd recommend getting info from someone that's been there this year or even last. I remember as a kid, there was easy access to all the players and not a lot of people in the crowd.

The last time I went was 5-10 years ago and there were as many people there as there are at a typical Pirates game. It was crazy. So I imagine it's even more crowded now, so I'd try to get there really early. And probably the best spot is where the players come out of the dorms to go to practice.

Get your kid in the front and I'm sure some players will stop by and say hi. It's a crap shoot. I'd say one of your best bets is to know some UDFAs or coaches that not everyone recognizes. Try to talk to that guy and you'll be surprised who might stop by to talk to their coach or teammate.

Good luck and have fun.

[rpmpit]

I haven't been there in years, so I'd recommend getting info from someone that's been there this year or even last. I remember as a kid, there was easy access to all the players and not a lot of people in the crowd.

The last time I went was 5-10 years ago and there were as many people there as there are at a typical Pirates game. It was crazy. So I imagine it's even more crowded now, so I'd try to get there really early. And probably the best spot is where the players come out of the dorms to go to practice.

Get your kid in the front and I'm sure some players will stop by and say hi. It's a crap shoot. I'd say one of your best bets is to know some UDFAs or coaches that not everyone recognizes. Try to talk to that guy and you'll be surprised who might stop by to talk to their coach or teammate.

Good luck and have fun.

Thanks, flip!! Really appreciate the advice!!!

[flippy]

Let us know how it goes. I'm interested in reports from camps from the average fan. And it doesn't seem like many folks I know have been to camp yet this year.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Strangely enough, I still have never been to Latrobe. One of these years I am going to have to pack the kids up in the ol' family truckster and make it out there for a weekend.

[rpmpit]

Let us know how it goes. I'm interested in reports from camps from the average fan. And it doesn't seem like many folks I know have been to camp yet this year.

I will, flip. Yeah, I'm surprised at the lack of replies I've gotten from my two training camp question posts. I guess not too many people on here have gone. Or they're just a bunch of lazy, inconsiderate, a$$holes who don't have the time to reply

[phillyesq]

I will, flip. Yeah, I'm surprised at the lack of replies I've gotten from my two training camp question posts. I guess not too many people on here have gone. Or they're just a bunch of lazy, inconsiderate, a$$holes who don't have the time to reply

Wish I could help, but sadly, I've never been either. It's on my list of things I'd like to do within the next few years, and I'll be interested to hear a report of your experiences. Enjoy!!

[rpmpit]

Wish I could help, but sadly, I've never been either. It's on my list of things I'd like to do within the next few years, and I'll be interested to hear a report of your experiences. Enjoy!!

Thanks. It's been on my list forever. Armpit Jr. is really pushing for it this year so he made up our minds for us. I'll definitely post a report with hopefully some great pics!!

[grotonsteel]

Okay someone(slashsteel) wrote a detailed report about Training Camp on other Steelers website. Maybe it will help you.

Mods: I don't know the poster and i have not taken his permission to post it here. If it is a copyright issue please let me know. I will remove my post.

"I left early in the morning. Some might say too damn early for what time they let people into practice. But if you want good spots for autographs or to view practice you beat the crowd. So I arrrived at camp at 9 AM. A half an hour before the next fan showed up. Yeah.... I was the first fan there.

Official time they let you in? 12

Turned on the road that had a sign posted for camp parking. As I did the previous time I was at camp a year ago. So I turn around and park by the stop sign off to the right. Cars arrive later and park behind me. Security arrives around 12, and this year wasn't escorted to the parking area. As I was in years past. Security just points and tells me to drive down to the next guy. Approaching him I start to get annoyed as I see a slew of cars parked on the right side. In a area I know isn't designated. I make sure the security guard is aware of this. Obviously they aren't educating the newbies too well. As the kid should have redirected the cars back to the correct staging area. You know the one where the sign points to when you come in. So the guy lets this handicapped driver in. And tells me ok you guys follow. So I do. When I get to where that handicapped vehicle is supposed to park. This girl asks me for my V I P pass. I am like what? I was just following what we were instructed to do. She has me go back to the guy who just sent us... so obviously the wrong area to park. I get back to the road and by now that line has left. I am pissed. I tell security what happened and they tell me/us that they are going to see what they can do for us. So when I get to the guy in charge of security for the field. He knows absolutely nothing about what took place. In the confusion some of our group was here and there. So we maybe found 11 fans from the original ones who arrived first..I then explain to this guy what happened. As a result they shot us to the front of the line around 1:20. So that ended well. As well as can be expected. For the ones we could find that was originally with us that is.



For me there has always been 3 money spots for autographs

Plus there is tips to get them while you stand there as they approach. My three spots?

Outside the door of the building the players come out of before practice. You can stand on either side of the gates. When they close. You are stuck on that side of the gate until the players reach the field. So its either the side you approach or the other side. The other side later at the far end a few players come out after practice after getting cleaned up that you can normally get. (Keisel for one) A plus? A lot of it is shaded.Compared to the areas down the beaten path that the sun beats down on your ass like a pressure cooker.

The stands by the one practice field hasn't been around that long. The Steelers encourage the players to sign there. To encourage people to sit in the stands.

On the field close to the Steeler store. There is a spot parallel to the practice field. Some players walk over.... then walk to the left or right..(Hines was one who was there regularly)

Tips

Water/gatorade,sunblock,chairs,camera, a umbrella. Are your friends. They search for alcohol in the coolers, a flask on your person if you are a drinker will work.

As was mentioned get there early for good spots.

For autographs? Pics of the individual player or something unique like a throwback jersey of said player, or large poster always has worked for me. Sure they sign footballs,hats, helmets. But when you are fighting( figure of speech for me, for some maybe not) for a autograph you want something that grabs their attention. As often they skip around to sign.

Bring money for eats if you like and there is a Steeler store and a college campus store that you can purchase items.

[SS Laser]

[URL]http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/fans-guide-to-2012-steelers-training-camp-646024/[/URL]

[URL]http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/steelers/a/training_camp.htm[/URL]

[URL]http://www.steelernation.com/forums/showthread.php/20852-Steelers-training-camp-my-7-29th-experience-camp-tips[/URL]

I hope to go Saturday for my first time! Very excited.

[rpmpit]

Okay someone(slashsteel) wrote a detailed report about Training Camp on other Steelers website. Maybe it will help you.

Mods: I don't know the poster and i have not taken his permission to post it here. If it is a copyright issue please let me know. I will remove my post.

"I left early in the morning. Some might say too damn early for what time they let people into practice. But if you want good spots for autographs or to view practice you beat the crowd. So I arrrived at camp at 9 AM. A half an hour before the next fan showed up. Yeah.... I was the first fan there.

Official time they let you in? 12

Turned on the road that had a sign posted for camp parking. As I did the previous time I was at camp a year ago. So I turn around and park by the stop sign off to the right. Cars arrive later and park behind me. Security arrives around 12, and this year wasn't escorted to the parking area. As I was in years past. Security just points and tells me to drive down to the next guy. Approaching him I start to get annoyed as I see a slew of cars parked on the right side. In a area I know isn't designated. I make sure the security guard is aware of this. Obviously they aren't educating the newbies too well. As the kid should have redirected the cars back to the correct staging area. You know the one where the sign points to when you come in. So the guy lets this handicapped driver in. And tells me ok you guys follow. So I do. When I get to where that handicapped vehicle is supposed to park. This girl asks me for my V I P pass. I am like what? I was just following what we were instructed to do. She has me go back to the guy who just sent us... so obviously the wrong area to park. I get back to the road and by now that line has left. I am pissed. I tell security what happened and they tell me/us that they are going to see what they can do for us. So when I get to the guy in charge of security for the field. He knows absolutely nothing about what took place. In the confusion some of our group was here and there. So we maybe found 11 fans from the original ones who arrived first..I then explain to this guy what happened. As a result they shot us to the front of the line around 1:20. So that ended well. As well as can be expected. For the ones we could find that was originally with us that is.



For me there has always been 3 money spots for autographs

Plus there is tips to get them while you stand there as they approach. My three spots?

Outside the door of the building the players come out of before practice. You can stand on either side of the gates. When they close. You are stuck on that side of the gate until the players reach the field. So its either the side you approach or the other side. The other side later at the far end a few players come out after practice after getting cleaned up that you can normally get. (Keisel for one) A plus? A lot of it is shaded.Compared to the areas down the beaten path that the sun beats down on your ass like a pressure cooker.

The stands by the one practice field hasn't been around that long. The Steelers encourage the players to sign there. To encourage people to sit in the stands.

On the field close to the Steeler store. There is a spot parallel to the practice field. Some players walk over.... then walk to the left or right..(Hines was one who was there regularly)

Tips

Water/gatorade,sunblock,chairs,camera, a umbrella. Are your friends. They search for alcohol in the coolers, a flask on your person if you are a drinker will work.

As was mentioned get there early for good spots.

For autographs? Pics of the individual player or something unique like a throwback jersey of said player, or large poster always has worked for me. Sure they sign footballs,hats, helmets. But when you are fighting( figure of speech for me, for some maybe not) for a autograph you want something that grabs their attention. As often they skip around to sign.

Bring money for eats if you like and there is a Steeler store and a college campus store that you can purchase items.

This is great. Thanks so much!!! I wonder if they let let you in at 12 for the 2:55 practice??

[flippy]

This is great. Thanks so much!!! I wonder if they let let you in at 12 for the 2:55 practice??

Make friends with some kid that goes to Saint Vincent and have him get you in any time.

[rpmpit]

[URL]http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/fans-guide-to-2012-steelers-training-camp-646024/[/URL]

[URL]http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/steelers/a/training_camp.htm[/URL]

[URL]http://www.steelernation.com/forums/showthread.php/20852-Steelers-training-camp-my-7-29th-experience-camp-tips[/URL]

I hope to go Saturday for my first time! Very excited.

Good stuff, SS Laser!! Thank you!!!!

[fordfixer]

the armpits have decided that we will make the pilgrimage to Latrobe one day next week, depending on how our schedules work out. I have a few questions for you guys/gals:

1. The practice that is open to the public is at 2:55p.m. - what time should we plan on getting there?? Also, what will our access be to the players? Armpit Jr. is so excited about meeting players, getting pics, autographs, etc. I just don't want him to be disappointed.

2. What is the UPMC Steelers Experience? It runs from 1:30-6p.m. Is it something we should do? Should we go before the 2:55p.m. practice? Will we have enough time after practice??

I appreciate any and all help/suggestions. This will be my first time going to training camp. Just want to know what to expect when I get there. Thanks!!

Hey that sounds like alot of fun, do you have enough room for 1 more? If you do would you mind swinging by south east Wyoming and pick me up? I could pay up to $3.97 for gas, and I really don't eat that much.