More than 10,000 fans head to Latrobe to watch Steelers' annual night practice

More than 10,000 people headed to Latrobe Memorial Stadium on Friday to watch the Steelers' annual Friday Night Lights Practice.

The tradition is one that fans from across Westmoreland County and beyond look forward to every year. Hours before the gate opened, people waited in line to get inside.

PHOTOS: Thousands head to Latrobe to watch Steelers' annual night practice

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The practice was delayed for a short time due to lightning, but resumed around 8:30 p.m.

The event is a unique opportunity for fans and players alike. Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said, "It's a lot of fun. I enjoy this night because you get really up close and personal."

Patti Smith, an Allentown native who currently lives in Hagerstown, Maryland, said she’s been coming to the event for more than a decade. For the past two years, Smith has bought a poster and gets signatures from players while they’re at training camp. She then donates it to a fundraiser for cancer.

VIDEO: Chase Williams talks with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt about Friday Night Lights, Le'Veon Bell and Coach Mike Tomlin

The first person in line was Johnstown resident Greg McGinnis, who set his chair up around noon.

"I think it's the closeness the fans feel to the team and Rooneys themselves. (I) watched them win their first Super Bowl and never lost their close-knit family feeling,” McGinnis said.

Cox Media Group