The Pick is In. The Place is Pittsburgh.

From Thursday, April 23 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft. Football fanatics from across the country will take over the city's North Shore area and Point State Park, as well as Acrisure Stadium, as the league's next generation hears their names called. For promising young players, Pittsburgh is where their NFL journey begins. For you, it’s where your Pennsylvania trip takes off. In between rounds, explore "Steel City” and its memory-making countryside.

Don't Miss The Draft Attend the 2026 NFL Draft

Admission to the NFL Draft Experience is free, but fans must register via the NFL OnePass app. Seating in the main Draft Theater is limited and requires pre-registration or invitation.

Large steel footballs on stands in Acrisure stadium in Pittsburgh. Signage around the hall reads Pittsburgh Steelers

2026 NFL Draft Experience

During the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, fans can take part in the NFL Draft Experience, the league’s official fan festival. Open all of Draft weekend, this free festival features interactive games, live entertainment, player appearances, and photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Centered around the North Shore, Point State Park, and Acrisure Stadium, the NFL Draft Experience puts visitors right in the heart of Pittsburgh’s action.

Your Steel City Itinerary Things To Do During Draft Weekend

From stops like the Duquesne Incline to the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum, our Draft Weekend guide will have you exploring Pittsburgh like a local between picks.

People in the stands of a football stadium waving yellow towels

Photo Credit: Steelers

Nearby Places to Explore Play Between Picks

These nearby towns and regions, that are all about an hour drive from Steel City, will help turn draft weekend into your top pick for an unforgettable trip.

Ambridge

Aerial view of five red brick buildings with white trimming and a garden with a clear path and a fountain in the middle.

Indiana

Laurel Highlands

Butler

Red jeeps lined up in a row with a crowd of people in the street walking past.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the NFL Draft in Pennsylvania?

The 2026 NFL Draft is from April 23-25, 2026 in Pittsburgh.

Where is the Draft happening in Pittsburgh?

The Draft will take place on the North Shore and in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The NFL Draft Experience is a free, family-friendly festival taking place outside of Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore and Point State Park in downtown from Thursday, April 23 to Saturday, April 25. All ages can attend and enjoy interactive games, exhibits, free player autographs sessions, and more. Attractions will run simultaneously with the Draft. Event maps and the full list of activities are available in the NFL OnePass app.

The Draft Theater, located on the North Shore and adjacent to the fan festival, is where prospects will hear their names called and officially join their new teams. Seating inside the Theater is reserved for invited ticket holders, but as space becomes available, fans may have the chance to be selected for standing-room or other seating opportunities based on availability. Fans should note that the NFL OnePass QR code provides access to Draft Experience activities but is not a ticket to enter the Draft Theater.

Do I need a ticket to attend the NFL Draft Experience?

No, admission to the NFL Draft Experience is free at both the North Shore and Downtown venues. Registration is required for entry into both Draft campus. Fans can download the NFL OnePass app or visit https://nfl.com/DraftAccess to register.

What’s the best way to get to the Draft venue?

Public transportation is strongly encouraged due to high traffic. The Pittsburgh's 'T' light rail system is a great option and often runs free between Downtown and the North Shore (Acrisure Stadium location). Other transporation options include rideshare services, buses, or pre-booking garage parking in the Downtown Pittsburgh area.

Are there parking options or public transit available?

There will be parking available at Acrisure Stadium that will resemble game day. Pittsburgh has various transit options to make getting around the city easy.

What are the top attractions or must-see spots near the Draft?

Nearby, walkable Pittsburgh attractions on the North Shore include: Kamin Science Center, the Fred "Mister Rogers" Memorial, The Andy Warhol Museum, and the Moonshot Museum. A must-see spot in Pittsburgh is taking a ride up the historic Duquesne Incline up to Mount Washington to get a panoramic, picturesque view of the city and its rivers. For more of the best things to do in Pittsburgh, read our blog post.

What other nearby areas should I explore during Draft weekend?

If you’re visiting for Draft weekend and have extra time, several charming towns and notable destinations are within a short drive of Pittsburgh, making them great day trips:

Butler: About 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh, Butler offers small-town charm, local shops, and ties to automotive history as the birthplace of the Jeep.
Harmony: This historic village just north of Pittsburgh is known for its beautifully preserved buildings, quaint shops, and the Harmony Museum, which highlights the town’s unique 19th-century communal history.
Latrobe: Roughly an hour east of the city, Latrobe is famous as the birthplace of the Banana Split and home to the historic Saint Vincent Archabbey.
Washington: Located about 40 minutes southwest of Pittsburgh, Washington features a historic downtown and the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.
Ohiopyle State Park: Around 1.5 hours away in the Laurel Highlands, this scenic park is known for waterfalls, hiking, and whitewater rafting along the Youghiogheny River.

Each of these destinations offer a different glimpse into western Pennsylvania—from historic villages and outdoor adventure to small-town culture—making them perfect additions to your Draft weekend itinerary.

Where can I find more information on how to attend the 2026 NFL Draft?

Get the latest news and updates about the NFL Draft on Visit Pittsburgh's website or at NFL.com/draft.