Pittsburgh Gears Up for the 2026 NFL Draft: Navigating Transportation and Road Closures
As excitement builds for the 2026 NFL Draft, the city of Pittsburgh is preparing for an influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors. Officials recently unveiled a comprehensive plan to manage logistics, strongly encouraging attendees to utilize public transportation during draft week.
Transportation Plan: Prioritizing Public Transit
Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, emphasized the importance of public transportation, stating that experts have been working for months to develop a “comprehensive multimodal transportation plan.” Katharine Kelleman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), explained that the focus is on efficiently moving a large number of people over a short period. “We’re focusing our service where we can carry the most riders and maintain people moving to and from the draft,” Kelleman said.
Road Closure Schedule
Visit Pittsburgh has announced a phased implementation of road closures, beginning this week. The first phase, starting March 28th and lasting through April 12th, will close Art Rooney Avenue, West General Robinson Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive), and Scotland Avenue. Officials noted this initial phase will be similar to closures during a Steelers home game, representing a minimal disruption.
Bachar explained that closures will expand gradually as the draft campus build-out progresses on the North Shore and at Point State Park, with the most significant impacts occurring during the draft days themselves.
Expanded Public Transit Options
PRT will offer expanded service from April 23-25, increasing frequency and capacity on select routes, as well as enhanced light rail service to Downtown and the North Shore. A special draft pass, valid for seven days, will be available for $25 beginning April 1st.
Four “Football Flyer” bus routes will operate during draft week, running approximately every 15 minutes on April 23 and 24, and every 30 minutes on April 25, from 10 a.m. To 1 a.m.
Regional Partnerships and Alternative Transportation
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato highlighted the variety of transportation options available, stating, “You can bike, you can walk, you can take the bus, the incline, the T, you can even hop on the Gateway Clipper.”
The city has partnered with 10 regional transit agencies to coordinate service from surrounding communities. These agencies will offer enhanced service, including express routes, extended hours, and connections to park-and-ride locations linked to Pittsburgh’s transit system. Participating agencies include Beaver County Transit Authority, Butler Transit Authority, New Castle Area Transit Authority, Freedom Transit, Fayette Area Coordinated Transit, and Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority.
Public Transit: The Recommended Option
Kelleman acknowledged potential crowding on public transit but affirmed it remains the best option. “There’s way more room in our T car than there is in your own car, so come on down and grant us a chance,” she said.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor encouraged residents to participate in the festivities, emphasizing that the draft is “also for Pittsburghers.”
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