Second summer without Steelers another blow for Latrobe area

For a second year in a row, the Latrobe area will be on the sidelines during the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason, a fact that left local businesses and communities crestfallen.

Team spokesman Burt Lauten announced Thursday the NFL’s covid-19 protocols will prevent the Steelers from holding a summer training camp at Saint Vincent College, a repeat of last summer’s absence from the college’s Unity campus. Instead, the team will split training sessions between Heinz Field and the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

The team’s absence from Saint Vincent means its Friday Night Lights ticketed practice at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium won’t happen this year, according to Greater Latrobe School District Athletic Director Mark Mears, who organized the fan-favorite event for the district in past years.

“I was looking forward to that being my way to leave the field,” said Mears, who noted the stadium practice would have coincided with his retirement as athletic director.

“I feel bad for the community, and (the Steelers) feel bad,” he said. “It was an NFL decision.”

When last held, in 2019, the local stadium event raised $21,510 for the district’s athletics and student activities and several community programs.

With Western Pennsylvania having emerged from most restrictions related to the covid-19 pandemic, Unity Supervisor Mike O’Barto said, “We were under the impression that training camp was going to take place, but I guess the NFL rules are a lot more stringent.”

O’Barto noted the township, neighboring communities and area businesses will miss the economic boost generated by the Steelers and the many fans they attract.

“It is devastating,” he said. “It’s the second year in a row. I know the restaurants on Route 30 in Unity Township, as well as in the area, are going to take a loss.”

One of those restaurants is Sharky’s Cafe, which has catered the Friday Night Lights event. Management estimated the restaurant sees as much as a 40% increase in business when the Steelers are at Saint Vincent.

“It’s something that our entire town looks forward to,” said Sharky’s owner John Huemme. “It’s one of those events Latrobe has that puts us on the map. It’s a disappointment that we won’t have that influx of vacationers and fans. It always has a huge impact. “

But, he said, referring to the pandemic-related capacity restrictions restaurants faced until recently, “We’ve learned to just go with the flow. We’re hopeful for 2022, that everything will return and be bigger and better than ever.”

The missed training camp also will be a blow for Dino’s Sport Lounge, which has locations along Route 30 in Unity and Greensburg.

While the impact is greater for the restaurant in Unity, manager Ron Auld noted the Greensburg location also sees additional customers during the Steelers camp, including fans who stay at local hotels while taking in the team training sessions.

“We look forward to people coming from out of the area, maybe for just this one time a year,” Auld said. “It’s something we were counting on.”

The Rev. Paul R. Taylor, Saint Vincent College president, also expressed disappointment at the NFL decision. “One of our favorite annual traditions is welcoming the Steelers and their fans to campus,” Taylor said. “The Steelers are an important part of the Saint Vincent community, and we look forward to welcoming the team and fans back next summer.

“We pray for the health and safety of the entire organization and Steelers fans around the world, as well as an end to this pandemic.”

It’s been estimated that 8,000 or more fans have attended some weekend Steelers practices on the campus.

“We were really looking forward to having (the Steelers) here, with the enthusiasm and excitement they bring, and the revenue that is created,” said Briana Tomack, president of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. “They bring a lot of fans here who are eating and drinking and shopping in our local businesses.

“The NFL made its decision in an effort to keep the players healthy, so they can play a full season. We love them and just hope they get to come back next year.”