The morning opened under a steady rain, but let up by afternoon, giving way to a drier backdrop as fans made their way through the final day of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Gates opened at 9 a.m. Saturday. Teams made their picks in rounds four through seven, which all started at noon.
The draft concluded just after 7 p.m., and the NFL announced that Pittsburgh broke attendance records.
7:27 p.m.: Pittsburgh breaks attendance record
Just after the NFL Draft ended, league officials announced that the three-day event in Pittsburgh broke a draft record with 805,000 attendees.
While Pittsburgh boasted 600,000 fans going into the draft’s third day, it was unclear if this year’s event would eclipse the 775,000 fans who trekked to the event in Detroit in 2024.
But the city and region pulled it off, according to the NFL.
Yinzers (and fans around the world) showed up and showed off. New three-day Draft attendance record. Thank you to the Rooneys, @steelers, and the entire Pittsburgh area. pic.twitter.com/SWR8697Nq9
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) April 25, 2026
7:12 p.m.: Last pick chosen
The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh has concluded.
The final pick, known as “Mr. Irrelevant” was selected by the Denver Broncos. The 257th pick was Buffalo University linebacker Red Murdock.
As operations go, Pittsburgh might not have been able to plan the draft any better, those behind it told TribLive.
Pittsburgh “has shown the world exactly what it means to be the City of Champions,” Jerad Bachar, who heads regional tourism agency Visit Pittsburgh, said. “The energy across our city has been nothing short of electric.”
6:06 p.m.: The long goodbyes begin
Paul Hartman flew in from Baltimore to spend three days at the draft.
Originally from Johnstown, Hartman said he could feel the Pittsburgh spirit in the draft.
“The city did great,” he said. “It’s a great city and a great community.”
He said his favorite part of the experience was being with his friends and seeing picks happen live in the NFL Draft Theater.
A true Pittsburgh fan, Hartman said he’ll be spending his night rooting for the Penguins as they face off in game four of their playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Jonathan McKee, 26, of Moon said he was happy to see how the city was showcased during the draft.
“I think the city did well,” he said. “Everything flowed really smoothly.”
McKee said he liked how the draft campus emphasized a black and gold color scheme, and how the city opened Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park with activities for fans during the day.
“It’s all been really fun,” McKee said.
— Haley Daugherty
Fans exit the Gateway Clipper on to Point Park side of the Allegheny River from North Shore Acrisure Stadium as the NFL Draft winds down to a closure Saturday April 25, 2026. (Louis B Ruediger | TribLive) pic.twitter.com/vykqjD5mYK
— TribLIVE.com (@TribLIVE) April 25, 2026
4:50 p.m.: O’Connor praises NFL Draft success, eyes improvements for next event
“It’s been great,” Mayor Corey O’Connor told TribLive over music blaring from the draft stage. “It’s been exciting for everyone.”
The mayor, joined by his wife Katie and young children, Molly and Emmett, said he has enjoyed talking with Pittsburghers who have been out enjoying the festivities and meeting visitors from out of town who have given him sparkling reviews of their experience in Pittsburgh.
He quipped the worst part of the three-day event was getting “no sleep.”
“The best thing is just seeing the energy and excitement,” O’Connor said.
He’s also been talking with corporate sponsors and businesses that are in town for the draft in hopes of convincing them to come to the city.
The mayor thanked the city’s public safety and public works crews for keeping the event safe and the city clean.
“There were not many incidents,” O’Connor said.
The mayor said he’s glad that people have taken in not just the draft itself, but also events set up in Point State Park, the recently renovated Market Square and the new Arts Landing outdoor civic space.
“It had a whole Downtown carnival atmosphere,” O’Connor said.
He lauded efforts to keep the city clean and fun details, like lighting up the three sister bridges with various teams’ colors.
“It showed on a national stage,” he said.
O’Connor also acknowledged, though, that some businesses outside of the draft footprint have seen fewer customers than they’d hoped for.
“We wanted you to go to the local bars, local restaurants as much as you can,” the mayor said.
But he’s learned from the experience.
In the future, O’Connor said, if Pittsburgh were to host another event of this magnitude, he’d try to ensure there were attractions spread out throughout more neighborhoods in an effort to coax people into businesses throughout Pittsburgh.
— Julia Burdelski
3:50 p.m.: Michael Keaton appears on draft stage to announce Steelers’ pick
Actor Michael Keaton — a native and booster of the Pittsburgh region — took the stage during the 5th round of the draft.
Keaton worked the crowd, strutting across the stage and high-fiving fans along the front row before stepping to the podium to announce the 169th overall pick.
“The legendary Pittsburgh Steelers select Riley Nowakowski, a tight end from Indiana,” Keaton said, a Terrible Towel tucked under his arm and a Steelers cap on his head.
Keaton was raised in Kennedy and Robinson townships. He graduated from Montour High School.
The Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning actor is known for roles in such films as “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice” and “Spotlight.”
Pittsburgh's own Michael Keaton announces @Steelers' 5th-round pick Riley Nowakowski!
NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/lCLWeovHBe— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026
— Megan Trotter
3:45 p.m.: Signing up
250 young people collectively took an oath on the NFL Draft main stage to begin service in their chosen military branches. The segment was hosted in honor of the America 250 Celebration.
New members include servicemen in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
250 young people collectively take the oath to begin their military service on the Draft’s main stage in honor of the 250th anniversary of America 250 Celebration. New members include servicemen in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard pic.twitter.com/I0gqCcZkBa
— haley daugherty (@halzdoc) April 25, 2026
— Haley Daugherty
3:40 p.m.: Innamorato hoping for long-term benefits of draft
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said she was happy that the event was safe, drew large crowds and saw people using the county’s transit system.
“For me, the draft is really about mobilizing people and money to do legacy projects,” she said, citing the recent Market Square renovations and new Arts Landing outdoor civic space as examples.
Hoping to continue building off that momentum, she said, officials have welcomed corporate site selectors and business leaders to the region for the draft this weekend. She hopes it’ll help spur growth and job development in the long term.
Asked what she wished could’ve gone better, the county executive pointed out businesses outside the draft footprint don’t seem to be getting much extra foot traffic based on anecdotal reports she’s heard so far. She said officials will need data to come in to know exactly where money was spent.
— Julia Burdelski
2:26 p.m.: Ravens fan delivers zinger
Baltimore Ravens fan Jamie Pembroke announced the 133rd pick of the draft Saturday.
She threw a little shade at the Steelers in the process.
“Pittsburgh, I’ll keep this short — like your postseason,” she said.
“Wow. Ouch,” chimed in the ESPN announcers.
Jamie Pembroke, who lives in Portsmouth, England, as named the Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 International Fan of the Year.
Hey, Jamie Pembroke: Ever heard of Tyler Loop?
.@Ravens International Fan of the Year had a message for the Steelers fans ???? @NFLUKIRE
NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LEDVVMLDmo— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026
2:03 p.m.: Runners ran Pittsburgh
P3R, the group that does the Pittsburgh Marathon, announced that nearly 3,000 participants – runners, walkers and football fans – laced up for the PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K.
Noah Bernarding, of Cochranton, Pa., came in first breaking the tape in 15 minutes, 36 seconds. Becca Anastasio, of Lancaster, Pa., led the women’s field, finishing in 19:29.
The 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon takes over the city next weekend as runners will run the marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay on Sunday.
12:18 p.m.: Shapiro in the house (of cards)
Gov. Josh Shapiro made his way to the Topps card tent in Acrisure just after noon.
He was part of the day’s card giveaway to rabid, screaming fans.
It was a tough call for Shapiro to find the most passionate Steelers fan to hand a signed card of running back Kaleb Johnson.
But he eventually found a lucky recipient.
Gov. Josh Shapiro opens a signed Steelers card. @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/Ijo4wgdCsa
— Megan Trotter (@meganktrotter) April 25, 2026
— Megan Trotter
12:11 p.m.: Will Pittsburgh land the all-time record or not?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell just kicked off the final day of the draft by announcing that over 600,000 have attended the first two days — a record.
In 2024, Detroit had 775,000 over three days, which means Pittsburgh would need to pull in 176,000 today. Judging by the shots of the crowd so far, they could come up 175,000 short.
The rain is definitely having an impact on the crowd size. It’s empty down here.
The commute into the city was nearly barren with cars. It’s possible that will change if the rain lets up.
— Bill Hartlep
11:47 a.m.: Another nearly incident-free day on Friday
Only one citation was issued within the draft footprint on the event’s second day Friday, according to Pittsburgh public safety officials.
Pennsylvania State Police made no arrests at Point State Park for Day 2, officials said.
Outside of the draft footprint, public safety officials reported one arrest and one citation on the North Side, plus four arrests and five non-traffic citations Downtown.
Pittsburgh EMS responded to 75 calls Friday in the North Shore, Point State Park and Downtown. Seventeen people were transported to the hospital.
There were no fires or Hazmat calls related to the draft, officials said.
— Julia Burdelski
11:28 a.m.: No sun, no problem
Despite the rain picking up a bit, it didn’t seem to dampen fans’ enthusiasm for the NFL Draft Experience.
The morning crowds on the North Shore were larger this morning than yesterday, but most of that was because of the Picksburgh 5K. Crowds have thinned since the run ended.
There are definitely fewer fans on the Point State Park side with few takers for the field goal kick or 40-yard-dash activities.
Attendees seem to be moving about Point State Park’s draft footprint until they can’t stand the rain and then seeking shelter.
Some even caught some shelter under a gazebo of Terrible Towels.
— Haley Daugherty
10:43 a.m.: Card sharks
The crowd chanted “T.J. Watt … T.J. Watt … T.J. Watt” in the Topps tent at Acrisure as Joey Porter Sr. played the dealer.
Fists pumped in the air amid a sea of black and gold.
Porter, holding a coveted card of the linebacker in his hand, put out the challenge to two young fans sitting on adult shoulders: “Are you ready to have a rock-paper-scissors with this guy?”
The battle commenced, scissors cut paper, and one young fan claimed victory.
Young Steelers fans play rock paper scissors for a card of Steelers’ linebacker T.J. Watt. @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/oYyWhM9jsx
— Megan Trotter (@meganktrotter) April 25, 2026
— Megan Trotter
10:28 a.m.: Down to check things out
Garrett Stadler, 28, has followed the draft on TV since Thursday. He decided to make an in-person appearance Saturday morning.
He made the trip from Natrona Heights to brave the rain and wind at Point State Park to see what all the hype is about.
“You can experience it better (today),” Stadler said. “You don’t have to worry about work the next day, and don’t have to be worried about being out so late with the traffic going up.”
Stadler said he was set on experiencing all the draft had to offer and hopeful about the Steelers’ choices thus far.
“I wasn’t mad about the Eagles going ahead of us,” Stadler said.
— Haley Daugherty
10:20 a.m.: Awaiting the celebs at Topps
Football fans are eagerly awaiting the appearance of former Steelers James Harrison and Joey Porter Sr. and current Steeler Joey Porter Jr. at the Topps event in Acrisure.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will also be making an appearance.
Football fans eagerly await Steelers’ James Harrison, Joey Porter Sr. and Joey Porter Jr. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will also be making an appearance. @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/cTulSVPk7B
— Megan Trotter (@meganktrotter) April 25, 2026
— Megan Trotter
9:34 a.m.: Topps in the field
Football fans have lined up on the field outside of the Topps tent at Acrisure Stadium.
Marcie McGuire, 53, of North Huntington Township says despite being a Steelers fan she was hoping to get a collectible trading card for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Hines Stepien, who was in line with McGuire, says he’s hoping to land a card of one of the Steelers’ now-retired players.
“Troy Polamalu or Hines Ward — I was named after Hines Ward, so that’d be awesome to get,” Stepin, 18, says.
The doors are open, and in come the first 1,000 attendees, each receiving a free 2025 Topps Chrome Football value box. @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/8Lb3OEeMXq
— Megan Trotter (@meganktrotter) April 25, 2026
Inside the Topps Collector Celebration Day tent, fans are already lined up, eager to get in and get their hands on collector cards when it opens at 10 a.m. @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/9n9y4iTQf0
— Megan Trotter (@meganktrotter) April 25, 2026
The Topps Collector Celebration Day event began at 10 a.m.
— Megan Trotter
8:44 a.m.: Forecast for the day
A cold front is sweeping through Western Pennsylvania this morning, according to TribLive news partner WTAE.
Scattered to widespread showers will continue through the start of the fourth round picks around noon.
Pockets of heavy rain and rumbles of thunder as also possible.
The last of the rain should leave the area by about 3 p.m. Skies will stay cloudy with temps in the upper 60s this afternoon.
8:35 a.m.: Experiences around town
A line formed outside the Riverfront Park entrance by around 8 a.m.
Near the front, Mandy Rhodes, 40, of Gettysburg and her 14-year-old son Gage wore Kansas City gear.
Gage likes to cheer for Patrick Mahomes.
The duo has been in town for draft events since Thursday. “It’s fun,” Mandy Rhodes said. “It’s a little spread out. It’s a lot of walking.”
Rhodes said she enjoys the area near Point State Park. But she was also a little wary after seeing homeless people on the city’s streets and watching someone punch a street sign Friday morning.
The pair were most excited Saturday for the Topps football card events.
— Julia Burdelski
8:01 a.m.: Runners, take your mark
Runners lined up along General Robinson Street from the intersection of Mazeroski Way at PNC Park to just outside of the draft entrance for the PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K.
P3R, the group that does the Pittsburgh Marathon, is hosting the run that will move through the heart of draft festivities from the North Shore to Downtown.
“I just wanted to come down and have a good time,” said Michael Keuch, 36, of West View. “Everything doesn’t have to revolve around the bars.”
He’s skipped other draft-related events. He’s more of a soccer fan than a football fanatic.
But Keuch said he felt the atmosphere around the draft morning 5K was enjoyable.
“It seems good,” he said. “Everyone’s happy.”
The race started on time at 8 a.m. As a reminder, the David McCullough (16th Street) Bridge will be closed from 7-10 a.m. for the race.
— Julia Burdelski
7:55 a.m.: Ready for the rain
Diane Grimm, 62, of Baden, Patricia Pacey, 82, of Avalon and Leigh Riemer, 71, of Economy wore plastic ponchos as they prepared to join a 5K starting near the draft footprint Saturday morning.
The trio said they often do 5Ks together and plan to return to Pittsburgh to participate in one as part of marathon weekend next week.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the draft,” Riemer said.
The setup, Pacey said, is “beautiful.” “Except for the weather,” Grimm interjected.
The three said they were trying to make the best of it despite the light rain.
“We’ll be OK,” Riemer said. “We’re ready for it.”
Riemer said she enjoyed taking in draft events Friday during the day — but they left before crowds got too big later in the evening.
— Julia Burdelski
7:44 a.m.: Umbrellas at the draft?
In a morning push, NFL OnePass says small, travel-sized umbrellas are allowed into the Draft Experience — but not golf-sized ones.
That’s a change from the previous days.
Be sure to check with the OnePass app before heading down to refresh yourself on what is and isn’t allowed.
7:41 a.m.: A little more
Short lines were forming to enter the draft on the North Shore by 7:30 a.m., about an hour and a half before gates open.
Mackenzie Gamrat, 26, of Monroeville was near the front of the line. She and her husband, Gregory, got here around 6:30. They thought there would be longer lines and more hassle getting into the city.
“It’s not as busy,” Mackenzie Gamrat said. “It was really easy to get in. I thought it would be harder.”
The pair skipped the first two days of the draft because they had to work and feared the first day would be “madness.”
“It looks like it’s going to be fun,” Gamrat said.
She wanted to get here early enough to ensure she should check out all of the fan activities and the football card displays her husband was eager to see.
“I did want to be rushed for time,” she said.
— Julia Burdelski
More on the NFL Draft
• Day 3 of the NFL Draft: What to expect
• Public transit throughout Pittsburgh region emerges as star of NFL Draft
• With 5 picks on Day 3, Steelers could target safety, tight end
• NFL Draft-driven restaurant traffic a tale of haves and have nots
3:38 p.m.: Innamorato hoping for long term benefit of Draft
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said she was happy that the event was safe, drew large crowds and saw people using the county’s transit system.
“For me, the draft is really about mobilizing people and money to do legacy projects,” she said, citing the recent Market Square renovations and new Arts Landing outdoor civic space as examples.
Hoping to continue building off that momentum, she said, officials have welcomed corporate site selectors and business leaders to the region for the draft this weekend. She hopes it’ll help spur growth and job development in the long term.
Asked what she wished could’ve gone better, the county executive pointed out businesses outside the draft footprint don’t seem to be getting much extra foot traffic based on anecdotal reports she’s heard so far. She said officials will need data to come in to know exactly where money was spent.
