Football drills, cheers, and high-fives filled the Steelers’ practice field Thursday night,  but this time, it wasn’t from the typical players in uniform. This time, veterans and their families took the field inside the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for the annual “Prime Time With the Steelers” event.

Hosted in partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix), a nonprofit organization that provides free event tickets to U.S. veterans, the night gave service members and their families a chance to take part in football drills, meet real players, and experience a side of the Steelers few ever get to see.

Inside the complex, one half of the field was lined with punt drills led by current Steelers punter Corliss Waitman. On the other, Charlie Batch, a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, ran passing drills and shared laughs with participants. Both sides of the turf were filled with energy as veterans tossed spirals, caught punts, and exchanged stories between plays.

As the night went on, families lingered on the field after the drills ended, staying for autographs, photos, and conversations with players and organizers. Children ran through the turf clutching footballs while parents shared stories with other veterans and families alike.

After the on-field activities wrapped up, guests were invited inside for a private dinner in the team’s dining facility, sitting side by side with other service members and their families. The night continued with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Steelers’ locker room and private weight room, areas typically reserved for players and staff. For many, it was a rare opportunity to see what life looks like beyond game day.

As the lights dimmed and the field began to clear, one thing was clear,  the night was about more than football and what stayed behind was a connection between the veterans, families, and the people who helped make it happen.