Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is preparing to welcome the football world as the city hosts the 2026 NFL Draft. From April 23 to April 25, the Steel City will transform into a hub of professional football excitement, drawing an expected crowd of between 500,000 and 700,000 visitors according to CBS News. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the event promises an immersive experience across the North Shore and downtown.

Event Schedule and Locations

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 23-25, 2026. The festivities are centered around three primary hubs in Pittsburgh:

• Acrisure Stadium: A centerpiece for the draft and the site of on-field games and clinics.
• Point State Park: A key location for the draft experience and fan activities.
• The North Shore: The broader area hosting various sponsor activations and exhibits.

The NFL Draft Experience

Presented by American Express, the NFL Draft Experience is a free fan festival running throughout all three days of the event via NFL.com. Attendees can explore immersive exhibits, shop for exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop and visit the youth-focused Play 60 Zone.

For those looking for a piece of history, fans can take photos with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Vince Lombardi Trophies. An Autograph Stage will feature current NFL players and Legends. The specific player appearance schedule will be released starting April 20, 2026, exclusively through the NFL OnePass app via NFL.com.

Registration and Entry Requirements

Entry to the 2026 NFL Draft is free, but registration is required for all adults. Fans can register through the following methods:

• NFL OnePass App: Available now on the App Store and Google Play.
• Web Registration: Visit NFL.com/DraftAccess.
• On-Site: Fans without smartphones can register in person via Fan Services staff via NFL.com.

Registration opened on March 4, 2026. Adults can register themselves and up to five children to ensure entry into the event.

Travel and Logistics

Road Closures and Traffic

To accommodate the massive influx of visitors, the city has implemented a phased road closure plan. As of April 11, a second phase of closures is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 14, and will remain in effect until April 21 via CBS News. Affected roads include:

• Casino Drive from Sproat Way
• North Shore Drive to Chuck Noll Way
• Reedsdale Street to Tony Dorsett Drive
• Chuck Noll Way and Tony Dorsett Drive

Parking and Transit

Due to the high volume of expected attendees, visitors are encouraged to research parking reservations and costs ahead of their arrival. Local authorities and Visit Pittsburgh are providing updates on transit and traffic to help manage the regional impact via Visit Pittsburgh.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

• Dates: April 23-25, 2026.
• Cost: Entry is free, but adult registration is mandatory.
• App: Download the NFL OnePass app for the most current information and player schedules.
• Prizes: Registered fans can enter for a chance to win a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles, CA.
• Special Events: The PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K will take place on April 25 via CBS News.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get into the NFL Draft Experience?

You must register via the NFL OnePass app or at NFL.com/DraftAccess. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can register on-site with Fan Services staff.

Where can I find the player appearance schedule?

The schedule will be announced starting April 20, 2026, and will be available exclusively in the NFL OnePass app.

Which areas of Pittsburgh are most affected by the draft?

The most significant impacts are centered around the North Shore, Acrisure Stadium, and Point State Park, with various road closures in effect leading up to the event.