LATROBE, Pa. – The lights will be on. The cameras will be rolling. And the excitement will be high when the Steelers annual 'Friday Night Lights' practice is held tonight at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.
ESPN's SportsCenter On the Road will be on site with live coverage from Scott Van Pelt, Sal Paolantonio and Ryan Clark, to bring the excitement to fans who can't attend as well.
"It is always a lot of fun when we have night practice," said Arthur Moats. "We always have a great turnout with Steelers Nation. You get back in the high school stadium and get that old school vibe. I love the change of schedule. It's always good."
It will be old school football for the players, who will bring their shoulder pads and helmets and hop onto a school bus and make the short trip from Saint Vincent College to Latrobe Memorial Stadium to show their stuff in front of a packed house.
"We enjoy it," said Jesse James. "It's a great experience for our fans. A new atmosphere. It's a change-up. You are out here and get that change of scenery. It's awesome. It takes you back to the high school days. Being a Western Pennsylvania kid having a stadium packed at the end of summer is always awesome and something the whole team enjoys."
Coty Sensabaugh, who signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent, has never taken part in a practice such as this during his professional career.
"It will exciting," said Sensabaugh. "It's been 10 years since I was in high school. It will be fun to get out there and compete with the guys. It will take you back to when you were young and just playing the game."
Practice will be the highlight of a day filled with activities for fans, and it's the part of the day the players look forward to the most.
"Last year I didn't know what to expect," said Tyler Matakavich. "It brings back that Friday night feel you had in high school. It's a great opportunity to go out there in front of all of the fans and show what you can do. It brings back so many memories. So many things running through your head. Once you get on the field you are back in the zone. It's fun to hear the fans go nuts."Friday Night Lights Details: The day will kick off with Steelers Fest at Latrobe Memorial Stadium at 12 noon, featuring elements of Steelers experience, games, food, prizes and more. Steelers alumni Mike Logan (4-5 p.m.) and Louis Lipps (5-6 p.m.) will be on hand signing autographs.
For more information and tickets, click on Friday Night Lights.
