Pittsburgh gears up for its first NFL Draft in 2026 with major upgrades
Pittsburgh is preparing to host its first-ever NFL Draft in 2026, marking a major event for the city. Expected to draw between 500,000 and 700,000 visitors, the draft will take place from April 23 to 25 at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. Organisers are now making changes to the area, including the removal of trees and the installation of new infrastructure to support the influx of fans.
The 2026 NFL Draft will centre around two key locations. The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be set up near Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Meanwhile, the NFL Draft Experience—featuring interactive exhibits and food options—will occupy Point State Park.
To ensure strong mobile coverage during the event, Verizon, an official NFL partner, is building a temporary cell tower in Point State Park. The tower aims to handle the surge in network demand from the massive crowds. Preparations have also involved clearing dozens of trees along the North Shore. This step is necessary to create space for the draft's stages, seating, and other installations. City officials have confirmed that the changes are temporary, with plans to restore the area after the event.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be Pittsburgh's first time hosting the league's primary draft ceremonies. With hundreds of thousands of attendees expected, the city is upgrading infrastructure and adjusting public spaces to manage the event smoothly. The temporary cell tower and cleared areas will support the three-day spectacle before the site returns to its original state.
