(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the NFL told teams on a call today that they expect fans to return to training camp this summer, subject to state and local guidelines, according to the league's executive VP of club business and league events, Peter O’Reilly.
O’Reilly also said the NFL is still finalizing protocols with the NFLPA and that camps may look different in terms of proximity to players, autographs, etc. Plans are already developing that stadiums will be at full capacity this fall, as well.
The NFL sent a memo to teams earlier this month that they'll be permitted to go away for training camp in 2021, subject to league approval. Last year, all camps had to be at club facilities and stadiums because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The news revealed today by Pelissero is certainly great news in regards to the Steelers returning to Saint Vincent College for training camp this summer. Steelers president Art Rooney II has stated all offseason that they're hoping to get back to Latrobe and he mentioned a few weeks ago that if they can't host fans at training camp, he wasn't sure if they'll go to Saint Vincent College. It appears he won't have to worry about that, however.
In addition, Pelissero noted that the Steelers and Cowboys can report to training camp as early as July 21 because of the Hall of Fame Game.