:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64007058/usa_today_10184091.0.jpg)
Let the countdown begin!
With mini camp now in the books, the Pittsburgh Steelers have entered their dormant period of the 2019 off-season. While hoping there is little to no news regarding the Steelers until training camp, we have no choice but to officially count down the number of days to key dates coming up in 2019.
31 days: Franchise Tag Signing
Any player who was designated with a franchise tag must have a signed contract by 4 PM on July 15, 2019. After this date, the player can only play under the tag for the season. For the first time in two years, this is an insignificant date for the Steelers.
41 days: Reporting to Training Camp
The Steelers players are due to Latrobe on Thursday, July 25, 2019. The Steelers first practice is the following day on Friday, July 26, but the “football in shorts” period will still be in play.
44 days: First Padded Practice
The first step towards a real football begins in pads on Sunday, July 28.
49 days: Friday Night Lights
The Steelers annual trip to Latrobe high school for a practice under the lights will take place on Friday, August 2, 2019.
51 days: Family Fest
For the third straight year, the Steelers will have a practice at Heinz Field on Sunday, August 4, 2019. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the Steelers box office for $10 each.
56 days: First Preseason Game
The Steelers first preseason game is at 7:30 PM on Friday, August 9, 2019 at Heinz Field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
63 days: Breaking Camp
The Steelers conclude training camp on the eve of their second preseason game which takes place on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Heinz Field against the Kansas City Chiefs.
76 days: Last Preseason Game
Follows the typical NFL schedule, the final preseason games for all teams will be on Thursday, August 29, 2019. As usual, the Steelers face the Carolina Panthers, this season in Charlotte.
78 days: 53-man Rosters
By 4 PM on Saturday, August 31, teams will have to make their final cuts in order to determine the 53-man roster.
83 days: NFL Kickoff Game
Thursday, September 5, 2019 will be the first game of the NFL season. Breaking from the recent tradition of the Super Bowl champion hosting the game, the NFL is celebrating 100 years with the classic Green Bay Packers at the Chicago Bears rivalry.
86 days: Steelers Opening Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers open the 2019 season on the road in New England on Sunday Night Football.
93 days: Home Opener
The Steelers play their first home game of 2019 in Week 2 on Sunday, September 15 at 1 PM against the Seattle Seahawks.
233 days: Super Bowl LIV
Super Bowl LIV is scheduled to be played on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Steelers currently are 25/1 odds to win.