HELLO, NEW FRIEND
Fans rejoice in celebrating Steelers Fest prior to sold-out training camp practice
JuJu Smith-Schuster greets a fan after a camp practice Saturday at Heinz Field — a practice that coincided with Steelers Fest in and around the stadium.
The Steelers’ announcement of a new Hall of Honor class of offensive linemen Jon Kolb and Tunch Ilkin, wide receiver Louis Lipps and safety Carnell Lake was not the only attraction at Saturday’s training camp.
Steelers Fest was held on the east side of Heinz Field along Art Rooney Avenue prior to a sold-out practice session. The admissionfree festival featured a nine-hole miniature golf course, a Ninja Warrior obstacle course and interactive football challenges.
The festival attracted Steelers fans and casual sports followers alike. Kelly Koch, of Frederick, Md., came because her son, Mason, is a fan of the team.
But after attending Friday night’s training camp session and watching her son’s enjoyment, Ms. Koch may change her tune.
“You know what? I’m not a Steelers fan, but [Steelers Fest] actually kind of made me want to be one,” she said. “It’s very energetic — definitely some true Steelers fans here.”
Though she was unable to secure tickets for the afternoon’s practice inside Heinz Field, others who traveled long distances did.
Andrew Bonistall, of Rochester, N.Y., and his girlfriend, Sierra Brant, who’s from Hershey, were more than willing to make the trip east to the Steel City.
Before Saturday, Mr. Bonistall had never been to Pittsburgh and had only seen the Steelers play in Cleveland and Buffalo. As a Steelers fan for many years, walking
around Art Rooney Avenue was an “amazing” experience for him.
“I’m just stoked to be here, man,” Mr. Bonistall said. “I’ve never been around this many Steelers fans before. It’s weird not being the only one. It’s so refreshing, I came around a corner and was like, ‘Oh my God, everyone’s wearing jerseys.’ ”
For others, their trips to the North Shore were not nearly ascalculated. Sandy Frazee, of Shaler,and her husband came across Steelers Fest by completeaccident.
“We were on the ramp, heading back from the airport, taking my niece, dropping her off, and we saw a lot of action, so that’s what brought us here,” said Ms. Frazee, who described herself as more of a Pirates fan. “It’s fun to be with a crowd.”
Her visit was spur of the moment, but Steve Smith and his son Jonah had plans in place long before their ultimate “guys’ weekend.”
The State College residents went to Friday night’s training camp session and then took in the PhilliesPirates game at nearby PNC Park. They intended on following the same routine Saturday, then taking in a third baseball game Sunday.
With the Steelers holding training camp this year at Heinz Field instead of at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, the Smiths’ sportsfilled weekend was much less of a logistical nightmare.
“I never went to Latrobe,” Steve Smith said. “It just happened to work out [this year]. It’s Downtown, it’s free, the games are here.”
Ricky Tallant’s effort of gettinghis family to Pittsburgh to participate in Steelers Fest and catch the team practicing was perhaps unmatched. After coaching at a high school football scrimmage until 10 p.m. Friday, Mr. Tallant and his family left at 2 a.m. Saturday to drive nine hours fromCleveland, Tenn.
Mr. Tallant, who has a son named Steel, has seen the Steelers play play in Cincinnati, Nashville and Atlanta.
Hesaid the long drive from Tennessee makes it “tough” for the family to get to Pittsburgh. But with all three of his children now old enough to make the trip, Mr. Tallant combined his love for his favorite NFL team with the family-friendly Steelers Fest.
“This is the first time the boys have been able to come up here, so we wanted to see what Steelers Fest is all about, and we’re having a good time,” Mr. Tallant said. “It’s fun.”
Like Mr. Tallant, George Gilchrist, of Moon, understood the day was more about his kids than his own love for the Steelers. He brought his children, Kierra and Aubrey, to the fest to enjoy such things as the Pittsburgh Steeline drumline.
“I think it’s great for the community; it brings everyone together,” Mr. Gilchrist said. “I wanted to enjoy it with the kids. I don’t get to bring them down here too often, so it’s nice to get them out. This is an opportunity for everybody to come out and enjoy each other.”