Even though Pittsburgh event producer William “B” Marshall is still waiting for full permit approval with one week to go before the 2026 NFL Draft, he’s moving ahead with plans to bring 40 largely minority-owned art, food and merchandise vendors to the southwest corner of Allegheny Commons Park West throughout each of the event’s three days.
Marshall, the man behind the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration and several other city events, made the announcement Thursday morning at the park during a press conference with several participating local business owners.
In addition to vendors, the free-to-enter event called the 2026 Draft Bash would also feature two live entertainment acts each night, kids’ activities like a bounce house and face painting, and DJ sets during the day.
Hours would run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Marshall first conceptualized the market event after being dissatisfied with what he terms a lack of local businesses approved to participate as vendors in the draft.
“Support our local businesses,” Marshall said. “They didn’t do anything to make sure we were a part of the draft, so we have to support ourselves. If you guys don’t come out to support us, these businesses don’t get an opportunity to make money.”
The NFL’s marquee offseason event is expected to boost local businesses Downtown and on the North Shore.
Tourism agency Visit Pittsburgh predicts the draft will draw upwards of 500,000 fans and generate an economic impact between $120 million and $213 million.
“The only people they’re looking out for is for people who own brick-and-mortars,” said Marshall. “Our problem is Black people don’t have any brick-and-mortars Downtown or on the North Shore. … We’re trying to make sure that with all this money coming into the city, that minority businesses and other businesses … get an opportunity to make some money.”
Marshall characterized capitalizing on events like the draft as crucial for Black-owned businesses.
He said one participating business leader told him the three festivals he produces account for the lion’s share of their annual income.
“We do festivals for 12 days, and they told me that that’s 60% of the money they make for the year,” Marshall said. “So it’s crucial for our community to do that.”
Marshall has been dissatisfied with the process for getting event approval and has clashed with the city over the speed and intentions of the permitting process.
With the draft looming, Marshall feared he would not have adequate time to secure sponsors or ensure vendors were prepared. He has since downsized the event.
On April 3, Marshall met with Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and city officials, who recommended using Allegheny Commons Park. Several business owners on hand on Thursday thanked O’Connor for his intervention.
Marshall said he was still awaiting his permit, which is moving through the application process. Messages left with the Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, Pittsburgh Public Safety and the Film and Event Management Office for comment and clarification were not returned.
