Pittsburgh has only ever hosted one NFL draft, and it was in December of 1947. Obviously, the draft at that time was not the spectacle that it is now, so it will certainly be cool for “Steel City” to earn the opportunity to host.
Pittsburgh is selected to Host the 2026 NFL Draft
- Pittsburgh has been selected. The NFL revealed today that Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, presented by Bud Light, including features from the city’s famous Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Following complete ownership and the Fan Engagement & Major Events Advisory Committee’s evaluation of Pittsburgh’s bid proposal, the announcement was made during the NFL Spring League Meeting in Nashville.”The NFL Draft is one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events of the year, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers for our 2026 event,” Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, stated. “We have a special chance to showcase this amazing town on a worldwide scale, which will boost Pittsburgh’s economy and delight football lovers everywhere. We are confident that Pennsylvania’s pride will be evident in 2026.”
- “As Governor of Pennsylvania, I have been proud to make the case for Pittsburgh to host the NFL Draft, from my direct conversations with NFL leadership at last year’s Super Bowl, to our administration’s consistent work alongside the Steelers and our local partners over the past year to showcase Pittsburgh’s great strengths,” said Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is the ideal candidate to host the Draft because it is the cradle of professional football and has emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic cities today. The Commonwealth is eager to collaborate in hosting this historic draft and showcasing Pennsylvania to the rest of the nation as it marks the state’s 250th birthday. “With over 50 million viewers globally, the NFL Draft has swiftly grown to become one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams, elite player prospects from the nation’s most prestigious college conferences, and hundreds of thousands of ardent fans are anticipated to attend the three-day event.”We are thrilled to have Allegheny County host the 2026 NFL Draft.” We welcome tourists at the newly renovated Pittsburgh International Airport and take pride in showcasing our amazing cultural treasures. Sports enthusiasts from all across the nation should make their way to visit us. County Executive Sara Innamorato expressed gratitude to the host committee for their assistance in organizing the bid. “We are excited to collaborate with all of our partners to create a warm and unforgettable NFL Draft,” she added.Mayor Ed Gainey remarked, “Pittsburgh is honored to have been named the host city for the 2026 NFL Draft.” “With this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we will be able to introduce our city to a worldwide audience and invite our global fan base to visit Pittsburgh. We can’t wait for everyone to witness the changes that have occurred and to recognize Pittsburgh as a city where everyone is welcome and safe, rather than just the City of Champions. A city where every person has the opportunity to prosper and where football transcends the barriers between our ninety neighborhoods, uniting us as a single community to support our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Pittsburgh will feature a range of community events, the NFL Draft Experience, the ultimate fan festival, and a concert series presented by Bud Light throughout the three-day event. Fans may take part in interactive exhibitions and games, snap pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, experience the youth-focused Play 60 Zone, shop for special products at the NFL Shop sponsored by Visa, and get autographs from current NFL players and Legends all for free during the Draft Experience.
According to Jerad Bachar, President & CEO, “being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft is a testament to Pittsburgh’s rich football legacy and a renowned recognition of our city’s vibrant culture and welcoming spirit.” “Momentum for Pittsburgh as the 2026 host city is only just beginning, and we look forward to working alongside our regional partners to plan and execute a world-class event that rolls out the black and gold carpet for football fans from across the country and around the world.”
For Pittsburgh and the team that bears its name, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL Draft represents a full circle moment. The original Player Selections Meeting, held in 1936 at the Fort Pitt Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the first NFL Draft.
Art Rooney II, President of the Pittsburgh Steelers, stated, “We are thrilled that Pittsburgh has been chosen to host the 2026 NFL Draft.” “This fantastic event will showcase all that the area has to offer, both nationally and internationally. I sincerely appreciate everything that the NFL, regional and state representatives, as well as members of our own team, have done to help us achieve our objective of being chosen to host the NFL Draft. In addition to enjoying our city’s culture, we hope to showcase the region’s rich football history and heritage to football enthusiasts from around the nation.”
The NFL Draft has grown to be the premier off-season gathering in the league. Over 3 million fans have attended draft celebrations in person across the nation since 2015.
The most recent NFL Draft took place in Detroit in 2024, drawing a record-breaking 775,000 spectators in person and more than 53.6 million viewers in total over the course of three days.
The Bud Light 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24–26, 2025, in Green Bay.
As the event draws nearer, Pittsburgh will provide additional details on the 2026 NFL Draft, including locations, fan activations, volunteer opportunities, community involvement, and more.
