STEELERS draw thousands to Latrobe for annual Steelers Nation gathering Festival And Practice…
On Friday, John and Bree Tedesco journeyed from across the country to Latrobe’s Legion Keener Park with their family. Victor Desport brought his 8-year-old grandson, Liam Desport, from just across town.
They were part of the massive gathering of Steelers Nation fans who filled the park for a free, daylong festival celebrating their beloved team. Afterward, they headed next door to Memorial Stadium for the annual Friday Night Lights practice, a ticketed summer event featuring the players.
John, originally from Erie, introduced his wife to the Steelers when they married and started their family in her home state of Oklahoma. “That was part of our agreement when we first started dating,” she said. “I had to become a Steelers fan, even though I wasn’t originally into any team.”
The Tedesco family is now active in the Steelers Nation Club of Tulsa and has even enjoyed a Pittsburgh sports-themed cruise. John noted, “We’ve made a lot of lifelong friends.”
Bree added, “We meet up with friends in Pittsburgh who we only see at games. We make it a point to attend at least one Steelers game each year.” Friday marked their first visit to the Steelers’ evening practice in Latrobe, and they dressed in matching gold, black, and white-striped outfits—pants for him and a summer skirt for her made from overalls.
The event also offered a chance to reconnect with John’s parents from Erie. John remarked, “It’s been fantastic. We met Steelers alum Tim Worley and got his autograph, and our kids had fun throwing a football into a hoop.”
Victor Desport, a lifelong Steelers fan from Latrobe, attended Steelers Fest, Friday Night Lights, and the public practices at Saint Vincent College for the first time this year. Sharing the experience with his grandson was an added bonus. “He’s at the age where he’s really into sports and loves watching the Steelers,” Victor said.
Liam, who plays youth football, enjoyed various football skills stations at Steelers Fest. “I liked the tackling station best because it shows how strong we are,” Liam said. “The cornerback station was tough with all the running routes.”
He hoped to meet Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt during the Friday Night Lights practice. After collecting autographs from Worley, the Taylor brothers, Ben (6) and Owen (8) from Girard, were eager to gather more signatures from current Steelers, including Watt’s. Their mother, Heather, noted, “They’re just starting to learn about football, but they’re big fans.”
Despite growing up in a household that supported the Buffalo Bills and spending a decade in Baltimore, Heather remains a devoted Steelers fan. “I wore my Steelers shirt under my Ravens gear,” she said.
The Taylor brothers came prepared with items to get signed, including cards, footballs, and jerseys. “We’re hoping to collect as many autographs as we can,” Heather said.
Traves Williams and his sister, Nicole, traveled from separate Missouri cities—Sedalia and Kansas City, respectively—to visit family in Carnegie and attend the Steelers events in Latrobe and at Saint Vincent. “We come back every year,” Nicole said. “We grew up watching the Steelers with our parents. Even though I live in Chiefs territory, I’m all about the Black and Gold.”
The siblings patiently waited for former Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix to arrive at the festival to add his autograph to their collection from Saint Vincent. Nicole said, “The wait is worth it for a fan. The 13-hour drive from Kansas City was worth it.”
Traves is eager to see how the new Steelers quarterbacks perform this season. “The team looks exciting, but we have a tough schedule,” he said. He’d be especially thrilled if the Steelers beat the Chiefs on Christmas Day. “If they win, I won’t hear about it for the next 20 years,” he joked.
Fans at Friday’s festival also participated in Steelers-themed games, enjoyed performances by the Pittsburgh Steeline drumline, and sampled a variety of foods from local food trucks. Scottdale’s Bundridge Bussin’ BBQ, operated by Adam Bundridge, experienced high demand for their brisket meals. Bundridge, who started the business in July 2023, said, “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s been a good turnout. I’m a Steelers fan myself and would love to serve them barbecue someday.”
