It’s hard to drive anywhere in the Pittsburgh area without spotting a traffic cone or two — a sign of ongoing construction.
However, Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said this week that the construction cones and signs will be out of sight by the time the NFL Draft begins on the North Shore. The draft begins April 23 and runs through the weekend.
“This is kind of the night before the big party that you’re hosting at your home — where things are a little chaotic, but it’s going to come together,” he said. “We have plans to mobilize teams from the city, the state and the county, who will make sure that all those traffic and construction signs are out of the way and everything’s ready to go.”
Waldrup also said the Arts Landing and Market Square projects will also be completed in time for the draft.
The $31 million outdoor civic space known as Arts Landing is in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. It will bring 100 new trees, a band shell for outdoor performances, sprawling green space and playgrounds to a 4-acre site facing the Allegheny River. Market Square is getting a $15 million facelift.
“Market Square and Arts Landing are on time,” he said. “It may look like there’s still a lot of work to be done, but we can 100% guarantee that they will be ready and open for the NFL Draft and then for a whole season chock full of activities.
“We can’t wait to welcome folks into Downtown to experience these new places.”
Pittsburgh officials expect 500,000 to 700,000 people to attend the draft.
Following the NFL Draft will be events like the Pittsburgh Marathon, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Juneteenth, Pride, and America 250.
Waldrup said the impact of the new spaces will mostly be felt after the NFL Draft is over.
“What you’re seeing is a deadline that’s forcing a lot of activity and excitement, but you’re going to see the benefits of this for months and months and even years to come — whether it’s new retail, new parks and public spaces, public art popping up around the city — are really going to help transform Downtown,” he said. “You’re going to see a lot of busy beavers moving around Downtown.”
Last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor said officials will build on efforts to keep Downtown Pittsburgh vibrant long after the three-day event ends.
“We have to continue to build on the momentum that’s going on,” he said.
