Talk to the Trib: Fans travel great distances, wait in line to experience Steelers training camp

Zachary Gibson
Thursday, July 27, 2023 6:06 p.m. | Thursday, July 27, 2023 6:06 p.m.

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Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

David and Claire Hodgson came with their children all the way from Scotland to see their favorite athletes. July 27, 2023.

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Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

Fans arrive at Saint Vincent College to watch the Steelers at Training Camp. July 27, 2023.

Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

Super fans pose for pictures with their “game faces” on. at trining day July 27, 2023.

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Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

Fan uses their Terrible Towel to protect them from the sun at Saint Vincent College July 27, 2023.

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Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

Fan “puts her arm” arount Virtual Kenny Pickett at Acrisure’s Selfie station July 27, 2023.

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Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

Long lines of fans waiting for a chance to talk to their favorite Steeler athlete. July 27, 2023.

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Zachary Gibson | Tribune-Review

Fans arrive at Saint Vincent College to watch the Steelers at Training Camp. July 27, 2023.

Training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off this week as the team gears up for the upcoming season.

Spectators, fanatics and fans came to Chuck Noll Field at Saint Vincent College Thursday excited to see their favorite players.

Some fans, like David and Claire Hodgson, who came all the way from Scotland, took their dedication to an extreme level. Other super Steelers fans could be seen sporting all sorts of special fan gear despite the near 90 degree temperature and intense sun. Some were inventive enough to use their Terrible Towels as protective wear to shield themselves from the sun.

At the fan entrance, which featured a large inflatable Steelers-branded arch, businesses interacted with fans at stations that were tailor-made for Steeler Nation.

Acrisure’s station offered selfies with virtually-generated fan favorites like quarterback Kenny Pickett and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Ford’s station brought along Steelers and Hall of Fame cornerback Rod Woodson to advertise a chance for fans to win the company’s newest official Steelers branded truck.

Members from the new Steelers Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium, were excited to greet incoming spectators and invite them to check out their station filled with information and memorabilia to celebrate 90 seasons of Steelers history.

Waiting in lines was seemed to be par for the course whether fans were waiting to meet a favorite athlete or just in line for lunch. One line stretched around a quarter of the field as fans anticipated seeing the athletes arrive at practice. The pro shop lines were also lively with fans getting their Steeler merch fix.

The general consensus was that training camp was an enjoyable spectator experience no matter what distance fans traveled. See what the Hodgsons and more fans have to say in our new Talk to the Trib video feature.

Click here for a schedule, map and more coverage of Steelers training camp.

• Steelers fans trek to Saint Vincent College for opening day of training camp
• Steelers training camp preview: What you need to know
• Tim Benz: Steelers training camp challenge — the defense must make the offense better