Why the NFL Draft is an Economic Development Project
Written by Arlo Grey MacFarland
It’s no secret that downtown Pittsburgh is seeing a lot of construction right now, all in preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft. Taking place at Acrisure Stadium from April 23 to 25, 2026, this event is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of tourists and millions of dollars in revenue. Point State Park is undergoing renovation, Market Square has been revamped for new amenities, and a new park called Arts Landing is slated to open by next spring.
All of these projects really make us look to the future of downtown Pittsburgh. I sat down with the Executive Director of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA), John Valentine, who is also on the NFL Draft Committee, to discuss the long-term benefits of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh really is an ideal location for such an event. Jokingly referred to as the “Paris of Appalachia” online, it holds such centrality in the region that travel is easy from nearly anywhere in the country.
“We are so centrally located that it makes it easy for anybody to get here from most of the United States. I mean, think about it. Philly's one hour by plane, New York the same. Toronto, Detroit, Buffalo, Chicago are all not even that far. Columbus, Cincinnati, I can go on and on, you know? I think it was a great move bringing it there,” said Valentine.
A lot of these projects have already been underway, but the Draft created a deadline for them to be completed. As a result, we are seeing the rapid development of the downtown area right in front of us.
“I think we want to capitalize on long-term economic development. Arts Landing will be drawing people all year round, and will lead to businesses opening near the park and capitalizing on visitors and residents alike. Market Square, with more outdoor dining, will once again be a destination for the region and more,” Valentine added, “People seeing our downtown will want to return and also tell others what a great city Pittsburgh is. My hope is that seeing our downtown will lead to an increase in new businesses who will want to open an establishment here.”
Renovation concept art for Market Square, image courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The DNA has had direct involvement with these projects, namely the Liberty Avenue Project. “We aim to bring local businesses, restaurants, and improved infrastructure to an area of downtown that has a lot of potential, but has not received the proper attention”.
“I believe Liberty Avenue is the perfect area for unique, independent businesses. An area that will showcase independent stores with a unique tie to Pittsburgh, At the same time, a mix of multiple bistros showcasing a multitude of cultures. Add in the arts, comedy clubs, small theater troupes, music and dance, and this street becomes a special destination,” said Valentine.
As part of this initiative, the DNA has brought in new businesses, including an upcoming grocery store opening in 2026, and an independent bookstore set to open by the end of the year. Bringing these businesses downtown not only revitalizes the area, but it also brings about new opportunities for residents and business owners to create those third spaces we are lacking.
“I feel that it's very important to give people a place to belong, a place where they can meet their neighbors and become part of a community rather than people living in different buildings. I think it's really important that you give people the opportunity to network, to meet, to mingle. And that's why we also do the Living Well Initiative, because it's a situation where we want to be a part of the community. It's not just being alive. It’s living,” Valentine said.
“The DNA dedicates itself to bringing the downtown community together, and the work being done both through our organization and others around the city is bringing about a Pittsburgh renaissance.”
“We're the organization that's really trying to do things for the residents and giving them the amenities that make our neighborhood thrive. And I think it shows, you know, the Downtown Dialogues was at its capacity, and in just our second week, Acoustic Tuesdays hit capacity. And I think that shows that we're fulfilling the need,” said Valentine.
Being in downtown Pittsburgh right now means seeing a lot of hustle and bustle around you: making way for improved public transit, new businesses set to open, and all these new urban development projects are setting us up for a bright future. Valentine believes that the 2026 NFL Draft will have a lasting impact on the area, and is excited to see what comes next for downtown.
