LATROBE, Pa. – The lights will be on. The fan excitement will be at a fever pitch. And the players will be ready to go when the Steelers annual 'Friday Night Lights' practice is held tonight at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.
"It's exciting," said Mike Hilton. "It's a bigger crowd. The lights are on. It takes some people back to their high school days. It's fun to have that energy and go out and perform.
"Georgia high school football is one of the best in the nation. I really enjoyed it and on Friday I can relive that moment."
It will in fact be like high school days for the players, who will grab their shoulder pads and helmets and load a school bus to make the short trip from Saint Vincent College to Latrobe Memorial Stadium to show their stuff in front of a packed house.
"It's under the lights. You love playing under the lights," said Artie Burns. "There is no better feeling than that. It's great energy. We are in front of the fans. It's a fun environment. For them to be out there and see us go through our business, it's good to have them out there."
Brian Allen didn't know what to expect last year, but this year he is excited for the energized practice.
"It's great. It takes you back a little bit," said Brian Allen. "You get out there and compete in front of the fans. You couldn't ask for more. My first year I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to it again this year. It's always fun. You go out there, have fun, compete, do it smart, don't get anyone injured and just get everyone better."
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.
"It's a good change of scenery and a good chance to have people come see us play and practice," said Stephon Tuitt. "That is the most important part. It's always exciting, having the fans there rooting you on. It's like a Gymboree game a little bit. That is one of the things I take from it, practicing in front of the fans, engaging with them."
Friday Night Lights Details: The day will kick off with Steelers Fest outside of Latrobe Memorial Stadium at 12 noon, featuring elements of Steelers experience, games, prizes and more. Steelers alumni Will Allen (4-5 p.m.) and Tunch Ilkin (5-6 p.m.) will be on hand signing autographs.
For more information and tickets for practice, visit Friday Night Lights.
* Steelers Training Camp Schedule:*
Fri., August 3 – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Steelers Fest at Latrobe (Open To Public)
Fri., August 3 – 7 p.m. @ Latrobe Memorial Stadium (Open to Public)
Sat., August 4 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
Sun., August 5 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
Tues., August 7 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
Sat., August 11 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
Sun., August 12 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
Mon., August 13 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
Tues., August 14 - 2:55 p.m. (Open To Public)
