You Won't Believe How the NFL Draft Will Transform Pittsburgh—Shocking Changes Revealed!

Pittsburgh is gearing up to make history as the host of the 2026 NFL Draft, with officials unveiling the first renderings of the event's layout this week. The draft, one of the most significant events in American football, will take place across two sites: Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Downtown. This marks a unique opportunity for the city to showcase its vibrant spirit and connection to the sport.

According to VisitPittsburgh President and CEO Jerad Bachar, the event design aims to create an engaging and fluid experience for fans. The draft theater and main stage will be located outside Acrisure Stadium, while the NFL’s fan festival, which will feature activities and the prospects' red carpet, will be set up at Point State Park by the iconic fountain.

“They’ve decided that the two sites would best represent Pittsburgh,” Bachar stated during an interview with TribLive. The planning process has focused on ensuring a seamless transition for fans moving between the two venues, enhancing the draft experience.

One of the standout features of the event will be the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which will be closed to vehicle traffic and transformed into a pedestrian-only corridor. This allows fans to walk freely between the North Shore and Downtown, enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

Additionally, the Gateway Clipper Fleet will offer riverboat transportation across Pittsburgh’s rivers, further facilitating movement between the event sites. “We want individuals moving back and forth to feel there is connectivity,” Bachar emphasized.

The 2026 Draft experience promises to be immersive, featuring interactive activities, youth programming, and a variety of food and beverage offerings. Notably, there will be flag football competitions for youth set up near the Kamin Science Center, adjacent to Acrisure Stadium. This initiative underlines the NFL's commitment to engaging the younger generation and fostering a love for the sport.

Dan Rooney, vice president of business development and strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Football fans from around the world will see how Pittsburgh’s iconic landscape creates a natural amphitheater, providing the perfect setting for this world-class celebration of football — all in the heart of Western Pennsylvania — a region that holds a unique place in the history of the game.”

While specific dimensions for the draft stage have yet to be disclosed, Bachar indicated that it will be comparable in size to the field inside Acrisure Stadium. Although capacity limits around the stage remain undecided, the design is expected to accommodate fans from all 32 NFL teams.

Details regarding fan entry points, transportation logistics, and event operations will be released as the April 23 draft date approaches. Potential road closures may include Sixth Street as well as Liberty and Penn Avenues, reflecting the scale and significance of the event.

Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events, expressed enthusiasm for the draft’s potential impact on the city, stating, “From the North Shore to Point State Park, this campus design captures the city’s energy, authenticity, and deep-rooted connection to the game, while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans around the world.”

As anticipation builds for this monumental event, Pittsburgh stands poised to welcome the NFL and its fans, further cementing its status as a city deeply intertwined with the fabric of American football.