Steelers president Art Rooney II is hopeful that things in Steeler Nation will be getting back to normal this summer into fall.
Speaking with fans during a Steelers Nation Unite phone event, Rooney said he is hopeful that Heinz Field will be at full capacity by the start of the regular season.
"I think we will. I am kind of optimistic about it," said Rooney of having fans return.
"It's still early, it's only March, so we'll see how things go. I am optimistic we will have fans. Frankly I am optimistic we will have a full stadium by this fall. Hopefully everybody is out there getting the vaccine and is going to be able to get in crowds and things like that again. Hopefully we are going to be back to pretty close to normal by the fall. Let's all say our prayers and keep our fingers crossed. But I am optimistic about it at this point."
Rooney adds he believes the lack of fans in the stands affected the players and that everyone missed the Terrible Towels having all around the stadium.
Rooney also said they plan to return to Saint Vincent College this July when Training Camp kicks off. Due to the pandemic, camp was held at Heinz Field last year.
"That is the plan," said Rooney. "We are hoping things get back to normal this fall. Obviously training camp happens a little earlier than that. It's something we are planning for now, but we will see how things go. We need this virus to turn the corner. We still want to make sure that fans are safe when they come to Saint Vincent. We may have to look at if we have to limit the number of fans. We'll be looking at all of those issues. Right now our goal and our plan is to have training camp at Saint Vincent this summer."
Rooney also fielded questions about the new 17-game season, bringing back Ben Roethlisberger, JuJu Smith-Schuster and more.
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