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Steelers Training Camp Kicks Off In Latrobe

LATROBE (KDKA) – If you've been in football withdrawal, you can rejoice – it's time for Steelers training camp.

It officially kicked off today at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

Brett Keisel rolled onto the Saint Vincent College campus in a construction vehicle, ready to do some work.

"This is kind of a construction zone around here," said Keisel. "I brought my hard hat. We're constructing our team; we're excited about this year."

KDKA's Trina Orlando Reports:

The defensive end once again made a grand entrance, dumping his suitcase at the door.

"It didn't know how I could do something that would compete with a tractor, but I think I did," said Keisel.

Other players arrived in more traditional sets of wheels. A sea of cameras and microphones greeted them outside. Nearby, grounds crews made final preparations for the first day of camp.

"We've been working on the final touches here, and God gave us some good weather to be able to these last couple of days," said Larry Hendrick, of Saint Vincent College facility management.

In the Saint Vincent College bookstore, Steelers merchandise lines the shelves. Some new items this year - black and gold lawn flamingos, logo scrubs, socks and board games.

You can also pick up a 2013 Training Camp tee-shirt.

"A lot of people come in to cool off, get something to drink and they have to pick up a souvenir as well," said Fr. Anthony Grossi, of Saint Vincent College.

KDKA's Trina Orlando Reports:

One change this year is the Steelers Experience and other fan attractions have moved closer to the parking lot where fans can access them earlier and have more time to enjoy them.

"Having the fans here, you can even talk to our players about that, they just love the atmosphere whenever they come out to practice and there's anywhere from five to 15,000 fans that greet them," said Burt Lauten, Steelers spokesman.

KDKA's Mike Zappone Reports:

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