Steelers fans from across the United States converge on Latrobe for training camp

LATROBE, Pa. (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Steelers fans both young and old are some of the most dedicated fans in the NFL. That's perhaps why they started lining their cars up to get into Saint Vincent's parking lots for training camp in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

This year marked a shift from training camps in the past with most public practices being held in the morning instead of the afternoon. And while a 10:30 a.m. start may have been too early for some fans, thousands still showed up from places like Florida, California and Ohio, excited to watch every drill and every play.

Kelly Faircloth and her son Gehrig have been coming to Latrobe from Warrenton, Virginia, for the last 15 summers.

"I love being close to the players," said Faircloth. "I love seeing the crowds. It's a beautiful setting, I mean, there's no more beautiful back drop."

And for every veteran fan of training camp, there were many like Daniel Shank of Turtle Creek, who was experiencing the Steelers at Saint Vincent for the first time. Shank says he was in the Navy for many years and while he was able to get home for games periodically while he was stationed in different places, he was never able to make it to Latrobe.

"Steeler Nation, I'm among my people," said Shank with a smile. "Man, Steeler Nation is the best."

Training camp brings boom in business to Latrobe

It's no secret that Steelers training camp brings in a lot of business for shops in Latrobe. From restaurants to hotels, thousands of people come through while looking to get a glimpse of the black and gold.

While some people KDKA-TV spoke with are from southwestern Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, others came from far and away to watch the Steelers practice -- like Solomon Johnson and his son from Sacramento, California.

"Yesterday was his birthday," Johnson said. "So, he decided to come out. Instead of having a big party with his friends, he wanted to be at training camp. So, that's where we are."

Down Route 30 at Sharky's Café, they've been getting the residual effects of training camp for three decades.

"It always, always is a huge impact for us," said owner Johnathan Hummie.

As practice time moves up this year, businesses like Sharky's are still welcoming fans with open arms.

Business usually goes up by 30-40%, but they're trying to gameplan when people come up to eat following practices.

"We're planning for a 1, 1:30 hit after everybody does the autographs and hits up some of the activities over there," Hummie said. "We're expecting it shortly after that."

All that activity has people hitting up the hotels, like the Springhill Suites in Latrobe. Tonya Matella is the director of operations and does a lot.

"Housekeeping, food and beverage, front desk, laundry," Matella said. "Whatever needs done, I do it."

Matella even drives the shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel is fully booked, but no one there is complaining.

"We just love having them here," she said. "It's a chance for us to hire new people, and it brings us a lot of business in."

For fans still interested in checking out the Steelers camp, you can find a full list right here . Also, remember, while it is free to watch the Steelers practice at Saint Vincent College, you do still need a ticket, which you can purchase on Ticketmaster . For more information on coming out to Steeler's Training Camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, click here .