Pittsburgh’s Time to Shine: The 2026 NFL Draft
Written by Madeline Milchman
Pittsburgh is getting its big break! On Thursday, April 24th through Saturday, April 26, the Golden Triangle is hosting the 2026 NFL draft. For those three days, Pittsburgh residents have a lot to look forward to. The weekend is not only a time for teams to select players, but it is also a time to celebrate Pittsburgh’s football legacy.
This is the biggest event the city has hosted, and most residents are thrilled to welcome visitors. Jerad Bachar, CEO of VisitPittsburgh, says “What we have to be excited about as Pittsburghers is that we have a chance to shine; we have the opportunity to really showcase everything that this city has become and is meant to be.”
The three days will include a series of events for visitors and residents, including concerts, community events, and the NFL Draft Experience. According To NFL Football Operations, “Draft Experience will be free for fans, inviting them to participate in immersive exhibits and games, take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone, shop exclusive merchandise at NFL Shop presented by Visa, and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends.”
Though the draft is a big deal to most locals passionate about the Steelers and everything sports, some residents share concerns about the added traction to the city. Disruptive construction within neighborhoods, increased traffic, and large crowds are all valid concerns. However, Bachar believes it is important to focus on the benefits the draft brings.
With Pittsburgh being nearly half a day’s drive from other major football markets, like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, the city is expecting 500,000-700,000 visitors. An increase in tourism brings an exciting economic opportunity. Hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses will likely experience an increase in revenue.
The beautification efforts across Pittsburgh promise a cleaner, safer city even past the draft. The effort includes revamping Point State Park, a beloved part of the city for 50 years, by repaving walkways, replacing seating, and updating the fountain. Market Square’s makeover includes a redevelopment with additional infrastructure for events. Arts Landing, after its soft opening for the draft, will be a hub for culture, music, and art. VisitPittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Conservatory are partnering to develop environmental programs, including road cleanup and tree planting.
Beyond the long-term gains, VisitPittsburgh is using a team effort to quell other concerns. Bachar says, “Traffic is something that we are highly focused on. We are developing a traffic plan with our partners at PRT and other partners in the local community to make sure we are able to get people in and around as efficiently as possible.” He believes that the community needs to work together to make sure all visitors and locals alike enjoy themselves. However, he also states, “At the end of the day, we just need to ask everyone to be patient.”
The draft is just under a year away, but Pittsburgh is already celebrating. Located in the North Shore, across from Acrisure Stadium, is a clock counting down the days until the draft. The 6ft wide, 18ft tall structure is held up by a steel beam, representing the Pittsburgh bridges. On one side are the words “90 Neighborhoods” above 90 notches with the name of every Pittsburgh neighborhood. The other side is labeled “Forged Football,” and 112 notches list the names of local high school football teams from the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League and the Pittsburgh City Leagues.
Despite the few concerns, as that clock ticks down, energy ticks up. Pittsburgh is a city with a lot of pride, so the NFL selecting Pittsburgh to host the draft is an honor. Our unique three rivers, 446 bridges, and steep hills are finally in the spotlight.
