Kickoff: Camp opens for all players tonight when they must report by 6 p.m., but they won't practice until Sunday. The players will take the field for the first time tomorrow for their annual running test. The last practice of camp is the morning of Aug. 24.

Where: St. Vincent College, Route 30, Latrobe, the Steelers' 40th summer at the school and their first when Rolling Rock beer won't be brewed in Latrobe.

Getting there: Follow the crowd, which is expected to be larger than any seen in Latrobe since the last time the Steelers won a Super Bowl 26 years ago. From Pittsburgh, take the Parkway East to the Monroeville interchange on the Turnpike. Go east to the Irwin exchange. Take Route 30 East about 15 miles to the St. Vincent College sign on your left. Turn left on Fraser Purchase Road, and the campus is one mile away. From Route 70, exit at New Stanton and take 119 North to Route 30, then head east. By air, the Westmoreland County Airport is near campus. By rail, Amtrak (800-872-7245) offers passenger service with stops in Latrobe.

Parking: There's plenty of free parking in the large paved and grass lots across Fraser Purchase Road from the main entrance to St. Vincent College. The practice fields are across the street. Parking and admission to practice is free.

Practices: They are open to the public only in the afternoon, normally between 3-5 p.m. Most practices are held at St. Vincent College, except for one night practice, Aug. 2, at Latrobe Stadium that starts at 7 p.m., preceded by a 15-minute autograph session. The Steelers also have a night practice scheduled at St. Vincent College Aug. 9, starting at 6 p.m. Weather and unforeseen circumstances can alter the schedule.

Getting around: Campus opens to fans 90 minutes before the start of an open practice. There are restricted areas. An information booth is located near the field, and campus security can answer questions.

Where to watch: The Steelers practice on four fields situated in a natural amphitheater. Fans can watch from the hillsides or along a fence that rings the practice fields.

What to bring: Blanket, lawn chair, binoculars, sunglasses, sunblock, food, kids, soft drinks, water, snacks, still camera, friends, pen, autograph book, Terrible Towel and all that Super Bowl champions stuff.

Refreshments: The St. Vincent snack bar is usually open and there's another refreshment stand inside Steelers Experience.

Souvenirs: A Steelers merchandise trailer inside the Steelers Experience on the hill above the practice fields will sell you all the Super Bowl memorabilia you want. Various souvenirs, merchandise and exclusive training camp items are also sold there.

Banned: Alcohol, drugs, whistles, nudity, video cameras (those pesky video cellphones will be difficult to stop), profanity, stalkers, groupies, pets, pests and opponent scouts.

Autographs & photos: The Steelers do not hold an official Photo Day, but they will sign autographs 15 minutes before their Wednesday night practice at Latrobe Stadium. The best time for photos or autographs otherwise is after practice on campus. Some players will ask fans to wait until after they shower. Players and coaches normally are cooperative, but at times they have bad days or were just chewed out by a coach and don't want to be bothered, so be a little understanding. And it helps if you know the name of the player you ask for an autograph.

Steelers Experience: Kids of all ages can test their skills or just try the various exercises. You can run, kick, throw, catch, visit a mock locker room, get your photo taken looking like a Steeler and get your face painted as if it's game day and you want to attract the TV cameras. Try your hands at interactive games and activities. Experience will be open -- and free -- when the Steelers practice in the afternoon at St. Vincent College. Hours are 2-6 p.m. on the baseball field above the football fields on days the Steelers practice.

Coca-Cola Traveling Great Hall: A 53-foot trailer situated at the St. Vincent College campus entrance is a mini-version of the Great Hall at Heinz Field. Fans can experience the history of the Steelers organization and perform a play-by-play call of a great moment from team's history. They can also win merchandise with a free spin on a prize wheel. It is open when Steelers Experience is open.

Information: Steelers offices at UPMC Sports Performance Complex (412-432-7800) and at St. Vincent College (724-539-8515).

Aug. 19: First home preseason game vs. Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff: 8 p.m.

Aug. 29: Rosters must be cut down to a maximum 75 players.

Sept. 2: Rosters must be cut down to a maximum of 53 players.

Sept. 3: Eight-man practice squads can be formed.

Sept. 7: As defending champions, the Steelers open the regular season with a special Thursday night game vs. the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. Kickoff: 8:30 p.m.