The NFL has announced that the 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, marking the city's second time hosting the event. The draft is expected to draw a large crowd of football fans and representatives from all 32 NFL teams. Pittsburgh last hosted the draft in 1948 at Fort Pitt Hotel, but this time around, Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium will be the venues for the event.
The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated sports events of the year with over 50 million viewers worldwide. The three-day event is expected to draw representatives from all 32 NFL teams, top player prospects, and hundreds of thousands of devoted fans. Pittsburgh expressed excitement about hosting the event and inviting visitors to explore its cultural gems.
Mayor Ed Gainey also expressed his enthusiasm for showcasing the city to an international audience. The NFL Draft Experience, a fan festival, will be free for fans and include immersive exhibits, games, autograph sessions, and more. VisitPITTSBURGH will work alongside regional partners to plan and execute a world-class event.
The first Player Selections Meeting at the Fort Pitt Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh marked the beginnings of what would become the NFL Draft in 1936. Pittsburgh's selection as host city for the 2026 NFL Draft is significant, as it coincides with Pennsylvania's celebration of its Semiquincentennial.
Other major events taking place in Pennsylvania in 2026 include the MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, NCAA men's basketball tournament, and the FIFA World Cup. Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II expressed his excitement about hosting the draft and predicted that it would be one of the largest events to ever take place in the city.
The NFL Draft attendance record was broken this year with over 700,000 fans taking part in the event. The NFL will bring the 2025 draft to Green Bay's Lambeau Field and Titletown district from April 24-26, 2025.