Pittsburgh Stadium Authority backs Steelers' bid to host NFL draft

The City of Pittsburgh formally approved a bid by the Steelers to host the next available NFL Draft.

The city’s Stadium Authority voted unanimously Tuesday to enter into agreements with the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers, marketing groups and municipal agencies to “support, effect or cause to occur an NFL Draft in Pittsburgh in the year 2026 or 2027.”

Aaron Waller, executive director of the Stadium Authority and the Sports and Exhibition Authority, said the move will provide support and commitment letters to the Steelers on their application to host the draft.

He said the NFL Draft has become a huge event, attracting some 300,000 attendees.

“It has always been planned for the city to go after the draft and we are excited to be moving forward,” Waller said.

He said the Sports and Exhibition Authority, a joint city and county group, will be voting to take similar action on Thursday.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has been a vocal supporter of bringing the draft to the city. About 10 teams across the country have reported interest in hosting the draft.

The NFL Draft takes place over three days — the first round is on a Thursday, the second and third rounds Friday and the final four rounds Saturday. Events related to the draft can last a week surrounding the event.

Kansas City hosted the last NFL Draft, and city officials there have estimated the event brought in about $164 million in economic impact.

This year’s draft will take place April 25-27 in Detroit, and next year’s will take place in Green Bay, Wisc.