LATROBE, Pa. - The Steelers will hold their annual "Friday Night Lights" practice tonight at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, and for the players it's a chance to go back to their high school days, where it all began.
Players and coaches board school buses for the short drive from Saint Vincent College to Latrobe Memorial Stadium, riding over with their pads and jerseys in hand or on just like they did in high school.
Here is what a few had to say about tonight's practice:
Coach Mike Tomlin: "It's a change of environment. It's an exciting environment. You can feel the energy of the fans. We like getting on the yellow buses; it takes us back a day or two. It's just a good environment (and) we're going to do similar things, but you have to acknowledge the energy in the place and it's a good thing for our football team."
Guard David DeCastro: "It's always fun. Friday night lights is fun. It was not that long ago. I just started playing football in high school. It's fun to be back."
Cornerback Will Gay: "It's always good to do the Friday night lights. It takes you back to high school, playing at 7:30 on a Friday night. You wear your jerseys to school. It's a nice change up. It takes you back to high school days. I was a baller (in high school). They called my name. We used to do pep rallies. I was 'Mr. It.'"
Running back LeGarrette Blount: "It's always going to be fun to come out on Friday. That is where it started for most of us. It's always going to be fun to have that type of practice."
Practice Details: The Steelers will practice on Friday night at Latrobe Memorial Stadium beginning at 7 pm. Fans can purchase tickets for $5 for adults and $2 for senior citizens (children five and under are free).
Earlier in the day fans can enjoy the 2014 Steelers Fest at Latrobe presented by PNC Bank will occur on Friday, August 1st. Festivities will be set up at the Latrobe Memorial Stadium from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and will feature games, food, face painting, the Steelers FedEx Traveling Great Hall, and the xfinity Mobile Tour. Steelers Alum Craig Wolfley will be signing autographs from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
