Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh is hosting the 2026 NFL Draft in April, one of the largest, most anticipated sporting events. This will be the second time Pittsburgh organized the NFL draft. The city held the first-ever NFL draft in 1936. The draft’s return draws fans from across the country and around the world to explore the host city.
The NFL will use parts of the Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park for the draft. Organizers estimate the three-day event could draw nearly 700,000 fans. Pittsburgh City Mayor Ed Gainey stated that he believes this draft will “give people an opportunity to see the new Pittsburgh, see the new city, and see how we’re doing things nowadays.”
Numerous construction projects will take place around Downtown Pittsburgh. Renovations include the Arts Landing project, a four-acre outdoor civic space, and upgrades to Market Square, a popular dining and social hub. City officials are allocating around $600 million to expedite demolition work, renovations, and new construction.
Financial experts in Allegheny County estimate the NFL Draft could generate $100-$200 million in economic impact for Pittsburgh. Community members have long urged officials to invest in beautifying, renovating, and modernizing Downtown. Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, told WTAE-TV earlier this year that the initiative stems from a community call to action.
She says “about 18 months ago, the community looked to us and said, ‘We need your help to solve this downtown problem. Downtown is not attractive to people right now. It’s not relevant to people in the future.”
