See Renderings For the 2026 NFL Draft Campus in Pittsburgh
Plans for the North Shore and Downtown include an expansive theater and main stage, plus an interactive NFL Draft experience for fans of all ages.
RENDERINGS COURTESY VISITPITTSBURGH
What will the 2026 NFL Draft “campus” look like when it premiers in Pittsburgh?
Fans now have a better idea after the NFL, in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers, released renderings of how the popular event — which is expected to bring 500,000 to 700,000 visitors to the city — will unfold across Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Downtown when the Draft takes place April 23–25.
RENDERINGS COURTESY VISITPITTSBURGH
The renderings show a two-site Draft campus designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s landmarks, rivers and iconic skyline to maximum effect. A Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located just outside Acrisure Stadium on the North Side, while elements of the NFL Draft Experience, the league’s interactive fan festival, will be located at Downtown’s Point State Park.
“We’re excited by the NFL’s release of renderings for the 2026 NFL Draft,” says Dan Rooney, vice president of business development and strategy for the Steelers, in a statement. “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.”
Notably, the renderings show the Draft Theater resembling one of Pittsburgh’s iconic yellow bridges. Meanwhile, at the scenic confluence of the city’s three rivers, the Draft Experience will feature interactive activities, youth programming and food and beverage offerings, as well as immersive NFL exhibits designed for fans of all ages.
Connecting the two sites are some very Pittsburgh elements; the Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic and used as pedestrian-only walkway between the North Shore and Downtown. The Gateway Clipper Fleet also will provide river transportation between Draft sites.
“The layout of the 2026 NFL Draft campus is intentionally designed to celebrate Pittsburgh’s sense of place,” says Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, in a statement. “From the North Shore to Point State Park, across the Roberto Clemente Bridge and along the rivers, this Draft will showcase our city’s character, connectivity, and hospitality in a way only Pittsburgh can.”
More detailed arrangements for the Draft, including fan entry points, transportation operations and event logistics will be announced as Draft Week approaches, according to officials.
