KICKOFF: Camp opens for all players Wednesday when they must report by 6 p.m., but they won't practice until Friday. The players will take the field for the first time tomorrow for a running test. The last day of camp is Aug. 23.
WHERE: St. Vincent College, Route 30, Latrobe, the Steelers' 35th summer at the school.
GETTING THERE: From Pittsburgh, take the Parkway East to the Monroeville entrance on the Turnpike (Exit 6). Go east to Exit 7 (Irwin). 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 1 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 daily scheduled passenger service with stops in Latrobe.
PARKING: There's plenty of free parking in the large paved lot and grass lots across Fraser Purchase Road from the main entrance to St. Vincent College. The practice fields are across the street, and admission to practice is free.
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STEELERS PRACTICE SCHEDULE
(open to public)
JULY
24 -- All players report by 6 p.m.
25 -- Morning run test (not open to public)
26 -- 3 p.m. practice
27 -- 3 p.m. practice
28 -- 4 p.m. practice
29 -- 3 p.m. practice
30 -- 3 p.m. practice
31 -- 7 p.m. practice, Latrobe Stadium (6:45 p.m. autographs)
AUGUST
1 -- 3 p.m. practice
2 -- 3 p.m. practice
3 -- 1:30 p.m. practice
4 -- 4 p.m. practice
5 -- 3 p.m. practice
6 -- 3 p.m. practice
7 -- No practice
8 -- Game vs. Jets, home, 8 p.m.
9 -- Off
10 -- Off
11 -- 4 p.m. practice
12 -- 3 p.m. practice
13 -- 3 p.m. practice
14 -- 7 p.m. practice, Greensburg's Offutt Field (6:45 p.m. autographs)
15 -- 3 p.m. practice
16 -- 3 p.m. practice
17 -- Travel day
18 -- Game at Washington, 8 p.m.
19 -- Day off
20 -- 3 p.m. practice
21 -- 3 p.m. practice
22 -- 3 p.m. practice
23 -- Travel, break camp
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PRACTICES: They are open to the public only in the afternoon, normally between 3 and 5. Most practices are held at St. Vincent College, but two Wednesday night practices are scheduled. One will take place July 31 at Latrobe Stadium and the other Aug. 14 at Greensburg Offutt Field. Both start at 7 p.m. Weather and unforeseen circumstances can alter the schedule.
GETTING AROUND: Campus opens to fans at 1 p.m., and 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 three 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.
REFRESHMENTS: The St. Vincent snack bar is usually open.
SOUVENIRS: A Steelers merchandise trailer will be parked inside the Steelers Experience on the hill above the practice fields. Various souvenirs, merchandise and exclusive training camp items are sold there.
BANNED: Alcohol, whistles, nudity, video cameras, profanity, fur coats, pets, pests, helicopters, Kris Brown.
HOW TO GET AUTOGRAPHS, PHOTOS: The Steelers do not have an official Photo Day as they did for years, but they will sign autographs for 15-20 minutes before each of their two Wednesday night practices. 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 and don't want to be bothered, so be understanding.
STEELERS EXPERIENCE: Even if you're not a Steeler, you can go to training camp and punt, pass or be timed in the 40-yard dash. Kids of all ages can test their skills or just try the various exercises at the UPMC 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. There are interactive games and activities. Experience will be open every time the Steelers hold an afternoon practice at St. Vincent College. The cost is free. Hours are 2-6 p.m. on the baseball field above the football fields on days the Steelers practice. The activities include UPMC Obstacle Course, Coca-Cola Field Goal Kick, McDonald's KidZone, Sony 4th & Goal, 84 Lumber Thread the Nut, Rolling Rock Locker Room, UPMC Bungee Run, QB Challenge, Run to Daylight (40-yard dash), UPMC Look Like a Steeler, Game Faces.
WOMEN'S TRAINING CAMP: Women can learn what it's like to go through training camp, minus the bumps and bruises and the angry glare from Bill Cowher. The Steelers will hold the Motorola Training Camp for Women Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Women will learn the finer points of passing, catching, running, blocking and kicking from former Steelers. The camp is sold out with 125 women signed up.
INFORMATION: Steelers offices at UPMC Sports Performance Complex (412-432-7800) and at St. 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 Inn, 724-834-5300; Comfort Inn, 724-832-2600; Holiday Inn Express, 724-838-7070; Knights Inn, 724-836-7100; and Super 8, 724-838-8080. In or near Ligonier are the Ramada Inn, 724-238-9545, and the Ligonier Country Inn, 724-238-3651.
Your Steelers Training Camp 2002 Guide 
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