Mike Tomlin, Steelers 'energized' by return of fans for training camp at Heinz Field

For a venue that holds 68,400 fans, the gathering that showed up Wednesday for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first public practice at Heinz Field represented less than 10% capacity.

The Steelers distributed 6,300 tickets for a workout that lasted about two hours and featured players donning pads for the first time in camp. It was the first of 13 practices fans can attend through Aug. 18.

The crowd size, while small in comparison to the venue size, was larger than any that attended a regular-season home game in 2020. And the folks who were contained to the lower bowl and clubs seats on the east side of the field were loud and enthusiastic.

“It’s just great,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “They energize us. It’s been a tough year for all of us. Their presence is a signal that maybe we are moving on and out of it, and that’s exciting.”

Tomlin was referring, of course, to the covid-19 pandemic that resulted in the 2020 camp taking place in an empty Heinz Field. The pandemic also wiped out the entire preseason and allowed the Steelers to allow a limited number of fans to attend a handful of home games in October and November. High capacity for a game was 5,909.

What transpired last summer in training camp was a departure from the large gatherings that packed the hillside at Saint Vincent College since the 1960s. The turnout Wednesday represented a sign of optimism to Tomlin and others.

“It’s nice to be out here and back with the fans,” team president Art Rooney II said while exchanging pleasantries with a few reporters after practice ended.

The cheers began as soon as the first Steelers players exited the tunnel for practice. They intensified during individual passing drills and were noticeable when rookie first-rounder Najee Harris broke off a long run on his first carry in team activities.

“I thought they brought a lot of energy to us,” rookie center Kendrick Green said. “They had the music going, and it was a good atmosphere. There were some good vibes.”