In a stadium where fans are accustomed to watching soccer, American football takes center stage on Saturday and Sunday with the 2015 Steelers Fan Camps in Mexico, presented by Pepsi.
Photos of the 2015 Steelers Fan Camps in Mexico at Estadio Andres Quintana Roo in Cancun.
It's the fourth time the Steelers are hosting fan camps in Mexico, with this year's taking place at Estadio Andrés Quintana Roo in Cancun.
It is a great opportunity for the local Steelers fans, and all NFL fans as well, to be able to spend time with the players and learn about football at the same time," said Jorge Loperena, Director of Media & Marketing for NFL Mexico. "Having these kind of initiatives are extremely important for the Steelers and the League. We have to be close to our fans and also be closer to the non-fans that will be our future followers once they have the experience of spending time with Steelers players."
The camp will include drills directed by Steelers' players, introducing participants to different intricacies to help them further understand the game and give kids the basic knowledge to play the game in a country where soccer is the most popular sport. Among the current and former players expected to take part in this year's camps are Kelvin Beachum, William Gay, Jarvis Jones, Greg Lloyd, Maurkice Pouncey, and Antwaan Randle El.
They are so enthusiastic," said Beachum, taking part in his second camp in Mexico this year. "It's almost as if they won the lotto when we arrive. You can feel the energy and enthusiasm. They have such a desire to have NFL players, the Steelers, in their country and it means so much to them. The support there is amazing."
The first day of the camp is for approximately 300 adults who will rotate from football skill sessions as well as conditioning drills. The second day will be for 300 youth participants, with the importance of hydration and safety highlighted before moving on to the football skill sessions and conditioning drills.
The Steelers have chosen to host the camps in Mexico because of the team's popularity in the country and the ever-growing fan base there.
"They are very up to date and know what's going on," said Beachum. "They are like all fans, they know who they want us to sign and draft. They are very knowledgeable and passionate. They care about the Steelers, Steelers Nation, what the organization represents and what it means to them."
