VisitPITTSBURGH, in collaboration with the NFL, announced that the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will take place 23-25 April 2026.
“This is a monumental step forward in bringing the 2026 NFL Draft to life right here in the City of Champions,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “With just 15 months to go, we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the NFL and officials at the state, county, city and Pittsburgh Steelers to work collaboratively across the community to produce one of the best events Pittsburgh has ever hosted and one of the most memorable NFL Drafts the world has ever watched. Mark your calendars, because all eyes will be on Pittsburgh soon.”
While details of the 2026 NFL Draft are still being finalised, the main portion of the event is expected to incorporate elements of Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park, as well as Acrisure Stadium, with a variety of venues to be utilised and activated within close proximity.
“As we move closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, we’re working closely with VisitPITTSBURGH, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all our partners on the ground to ensure local and visiting fans will enjoy an unforgettable event,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international. “We’re excited to spotlight the city throughout our Draft festivities and show the world the passion and vibrancy of the Pittsburgh community.”
The 2026 NFL Draft will bring together representatives from all 32 NFL teams, top player prospects from the most iconic college conferences and fans from around the world.
“Pittsburgh is the best choice to host the NFL Draft in 2026 and as Governor of Pennsylvania, I was proud to aggressively make the case that the Steel City and the Commonwealth are ready to put on the best Draft yet,” said Governor Shapiro. “Pittsburgh has always been a center of economic growth and opportunity in Pennsylvania, and it is a centerpiece for our growing tourism industry here. We’re looking forward to hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors who will bring significant impact to the local economy — and my Administration is ready to work with our partners at all levels to host this historic Draft and show the entire country what Pennsylvania is all about.”
“With a new Pittsburgh International Airport, Allegheny County will be ready to welcome NFL legends, prospects, their families and fans,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “As visitors travel to Pittsburgh and viewers tune in from around the world, we’ll make sure the 2026 NFL Draft puts all the great assets of the Pittsburgh region on full display.”
Throughout the three-day event, Pittsburgh will host a slate of Draft activities, including the NFL Draft Experience—the league’s ultimate fan festival. This free event will provide fans with an opportunity to take part in immersive exhibits and games, enjoy musical performances and autographic sessions and take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Draft Experience will be open all three days of the event.
“Pittsburgh is a city on the rise, and the energy we’re building will be felt across the country during the 2026 NFL Draft. We have a bold, unified vision for a revitalised, vibrant, safe, and welcoming Downtown that will be the heart of this incredible event. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our city and our people, and Pittsburgh is more than ready to step up and shine! Pittsburgh is Home,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.
The NFL Draft has become one of the biggest and most-anticipated sporting events of the year. The 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit was attended by over 775,000 fans, was seen by more than 50 million viewers worldwide and generated $213 million in economic impact for the City of Detroit.
“The 2026 NFL Draft is an opportunity to celebrate football and Pittsburgh’s unique place in the history of the game, while also promoting our region nationally and globally across the rare platform provided by the NFL Draft,” said Steelers President Art Rooney, II.
The 2025 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will take place in Green Bay on 24-26 April 2025, with registration set to open this spring. To learn more, download the NFL OnePass app.
On 31 March this year, British Airways nonstop service from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International Airport goes daily. Return flights based on a 7night stay start from £478 per person.
For more information, visitpittsburgh.com