'It’s going to be a huge night': Latrobe gears up for Steelers' Friday Night Lights practice

Preparations for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 Friday Night Lights practice feel like “learning how to ride a bicycle again” after a two-year hiatus, according to Greater Latrobe School District Athletic Director Zac Heide.

On Friday, the Steelers will hold a special evening practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

The ticketed practice typically drew large crowds before it was halted by the pandemic.

“It’s really exciting to have (the Steelers) back in (Latrobe),” Heide said. “They’re family to us. It’s kind of like we were missing something in our community.”

Steelers fans have buzzed with anticipation for this year’s Friday Night Lights practice for months, Heide said. The Greater Latrobe Athletic Office began receiving phone calls from people looking to reserve tickets as early as March.

“As soon as that hit the Steelers’ website, our phones were starting to smoke because we were getting so many phone calls,” Heide said.

This year, Heide expects to see at least 15,000 fans attend Friday Night Lights. A pre-pandemic practice would welcome 10,000 to 12,000 attendees on average, he said.

The athletic office won’t limit the number of tickets that can be purchased.

“I think it’s going to be a huge night,” Heide said. “There’s a ticket for everybody that comes.”

All profits will benefit Greater Latrobe athletic teams and clubs, school clubs and groups, booster groups and surrounding Latrobe community entities. The 2019 practice raised $21,510.

Though the bulk of preparations have taken place this summer, Heide said it feels as if the athletic office has been gearing up for this year’s practice for three years.

This is the fifth year Heide will help organize Friday Night Lights but the first year he will “steer the ship.” He became athletic director in July 2021 after serving as the district’s assistant athletic director.

Describing organization efforts as a “full Latrobe community effort,” Heide credited Greater Latrobe Senior High School students, volunteer firefighters, police officers and members of Latrobe Parks and Recreation for helping to “put on a successful night.”

Before the practice kicks off, the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce will host Steelers Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside Memorial Stadium.

The free event will feature food, music, crafts, Steelers-themed games, face painting and a climbing wall. Additionally, autograph signings will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“If you’re looking for something to do, come out,” said Briana Tomack, chamber president and CEO.