KICKOFF

Camp opens for all players tomorrow when they must report by 4 p.m., and the first practice will take place Tuesday at 3 p.m., which is open to the public. The Steelers break camp Aug. 17. A roster of 86 players is expected to report, although any unsigned rookies cannot. The Steelers have six NFL Europa League roster exemptions. The roster includes 57 veterans, 14 first-year players and 17 rookies.

WHERE

Saint Vincent College, Route 30, Latrobe, the Steelers' 41st summer at the school and their second when Rolling Rock beer won't be brewed in Latrobe.

GETTING THERE

Follow the crowds, which have grown the past few years. 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 Saint Vincent College sign on the right and turn left at the traffic light. The campus is a mile away. From Route 70, exit at New Stanton and take 119 North to Route 30, then head east. From Harrisburg and points East, take the Turnpike to exit 91, Donegal. Turn left onto PA Route 31 East, 1/4 mile to left turn at PA Route 711 North, 14 miles to left turn at U.S. Route 30 West, 10 miles to right turn at Saint Vincent. By air, the Westmoreland County Airport is across Route 30 from the campus. By rail, Amtrak (800-872-7245) offers passenger service with stops in Latrobe.

PARKING

There's plenty of free parking at designated areas near where the Steelers practice.

PRACTICES

They are open free to the public only in the afternoon, normally between 2:55 and 5 p.m. All practices are scheduled at Saint Vincent College, except for two night practices, at 7 p.m. Friday at Latrobe Stadium and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Saint Vincent. 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 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. For the first time, benches seating about 1,000 have been installed at the newly named Chuck Noll Field, where the resurrected Saint Vincent College football team will compete in NCAA Division III this fall.

WHAT TO BRING

Blanket, lawn chair, binoculars, sunglasses, sunblock, food, kids, soft drinks, water, snacks, still camera, friends, pen, autograph book, Terrible Towel and even old Joey Porter jerseys.

REFRESHMENTS

There are snack bars outside as well as the college's normal indoor facility.

SOUVENIRS

A Steelers merchandise trailer inside the Steelers Experience on the hill above the practice fields will sell just about anything you want. Various souvenirs, merchandise and exclusive training camp items are also sold on campus.

BANNED

Alcohol, drugs, whistles, nudity (unless tastefully done), video cameras (those pesky video cell phones will be difficult to stop), profanity, stalkers, groupies, pets, pests, opponent scouts, Joey Porter.

HOW TO GET AUTOGRAPHS, PHOTOS

The Steelers do not hold an official Photo Day as they did for many years, but they will sign autographs 15 minutes before their 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

Even if you're not a Steeler, you can pretend to be one -- punt, pass, kick, and be timed in the 40-yard dash. Kids of all ages can test their skills or just try the various exercises at the Steelers Experience. 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 Saint Vincent College. Hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the baseball field above the football fields on days the Steelers practice.

INFORMATION

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

WHERE TO STAY

Among the motels and hotels within a 15-mile radius of Latrobe: In Latrobe is the Wingate Inn, 724-539-0400. Near Greensburg are the Four Points Sheraton, 724-836-6060; Mountain View Hotel and Conference Center, 724-834-5300; Hampton Inn, 724-838-8800; Holiday Inn Express, 724-838-7070; Knights Inn, 724-836-7100; and Super 8, 724-838-8080. There are several hotels in the Ligonier area as well.