The NFL, VisitPittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday offered the first glimpse of the official 2026 NFL Draft site renderings.
The images offer a preview of how the city’s largest tourism event will unfold, revealing a two-site draft campus stretching across Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Downtown for the April 23-25 event.
The draft theater and main stage are planned for outside Acrisure Stadium, while the NFL’s fan festival — complete with activities and the prospects’ red carpet — will be staged at Point State Park by the fountain, VisitPittsburgh President and CEO Jerad Bachar said.
“They (the NFL) have decided that the two sites would best represent Pittsburgh,” Bachar told TribLive.
Bachar said that much of the planning process was centered around creating a fluid fan experience despite draft events being spread out.
The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and be transformed into a pedestrian-only fan corridor, creating a walkable connection between the North Shore and Downtown.
In addition, the Gateway Clipper Fleet will provide riverboat transportation between sites across Pittsburgh’s rivers.
“We want individuals moving back and forth to feel there is connectivity,” Bachar said.
Bachar said the draft experience will feature interactive activities, youth programming, and food and beverage offerings.
Some of these activities include flag football competitions for youth, which will be set up near the Kamin Science Center, adjacent to Acrisure Stadium.
“Football fans from around the world will see how Pittsburgh’s iconic landscape creates a natural amphitheater, providing the perfect setting for this world-class celebration of football — all in the heart of Western Pennsylvania — a region that holds a unique place in the history of the game,” said Dan Rooney, vice president of business development and strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although exact dimensions were not available Tuesday, Bachar said the completed draft stage will be comparable in size to the field inside Acrisure Stadium.
Capacity limits for the area around the stage have not yet been finalized, he said, but the space is expected to accommodate fans for each of the NFL’s 32 teams.
Details on fan entry points, transportation plans and event logistics will be announced closer to the April 23 draft, though Bachar said potential road closures could include Sixth Street, as well as Liberty and Penn avenues.
“From the North Shore to Point State Park, this campus design captures the city’s energy, authenticity and deep-rooted connection to the game, while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans around the world,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events in a news release.
