Welcome to Pittsburgh!

Roger Goodell

Commissioner of the NFL

Say “Pittsburgh” anywhere in the world, and odds are someone will bring up the Steelers. This is a football town, built on the hard work and resilience that has defined western Pennsylvania for generations. I can think of no better place to host one of the most exciting events in all of sports — the 2026 NFL Draft.

I love the Draft. The hope. The hugs. Being able to witness the moment where a young man achieves his lifelong dream is unforgettable. We invite each of you to share in that special experience. As we’ve brought the Draft to football fans around the country, it has transformed into a massive community gathering — boosting spirits and the local economy.

It is also a showcase for the host city, and we are thrilled to put Pittsburgh on display for a global audience.

The 2026 NFL Draft is now on the clock. Join us April 23-25.

Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Governor

As Governor of Pennsylvania, I was proud to make the case for the City of Pittsburgh to host the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh is such a dynamic city with so much to offer — from neighborhoods like the North Shore with incredible venues like Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park to landmarks like Point State Park. My administration has made historic investments in its Downtown alongside the county, the city and our nonprofit and private sector partners to ensure this is the best NFL Draft in history. This year’s Draft has the potential to be the largest visitor event ever held in Pittsburgh and bring football fans from all over the world here to the Steel City.

With all eyes on Pennsylvania during America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Commonwealth is ready and excited to host this historic draft and show the country what Pennsylvania is all about.

Art Rooney, II

President of the Pittsburgh Steelers

On behalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers, welcome to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh is defined by ingenuity, grit and resilience. The creativity and determination that have driven Pittsburgh to pioneer industries from steel to robotics and AI also fuels a thriving cultural scene. This same enduring spirit shines brightly in our passion for football, where excellence on the field has long symbolized unity and pride.

As you experience Draft weekend, we hope you’ll also explore our neighborhoods, embrace our football heritage, enjoy our culture and cuisine, and feel the pride that connects us all. From the beauty of our skyline, rivers and hills to the everyday kindness of neighbors, we hope Pittsburgh surprises and inspires you.

The NFL Draft is about opportunity and new beginnings — and we believe there is no better backdrop for the event than Pittsburgh, a place that has always forged the future. Welcome to a city where the roots of football run deep. Welcome to Pittsburgh.

Corey O’Connor

Pittsburgh Mayor

This week, we are welcoming the world to Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft. Not only will our normally-black-and-gold-clad streets be filled with thousands of visitors, but we will have tens of millions of viewers from around the globe tuning in. This isn’t just a celebration of football, it’s a celebration of our city.

If there’s one thing Pittsburghers love, it’s Pittsburgh. We have so much to be proud of — our history, innovation, educational institutions, neighborhoods and neighbors. We build opportunity in Pittsburgh. Through partnerships and collaboration, we are making record investments in small businesses, housing, placemaking and public services.

Together, we are building a Pittsburgh that will be every family’s first choice.

Let’s do as we always do and share the true Pittsburgh experience with our visitors. Show them our parks, museums, neighborhood business districts, favorite small business and hidden gems. I am confident that every visitor will leave loving Pittsburgh just as much as we do.

Jerad Bachar

President & CEO, VisitPITTSBURGH

This spring, millions of eyes will be on Pittsburgh. For three unforgettable days, our city will take center stage as we welcome fans, families, legends and prospects to the 2026 NFL Draft. The moment we’ve been waiting for – and working toward – is finally here. In this special edition of Pittsburgh Magazine, we invite you to experience our city through the lens of the NFL Draft — and through the enduring spirit that defines Pittsburgh. Inside, you’ll meet the artisans, innovators and community builders who continue to forge our city’s identity, discover the landmarks and neighborhoods that make it shine, and gain tips on how to make the most of Draft weekend.

As Pittsburgh prepares to host this monumental event, this edition serves as a curated guide to the essential stops for football fans and culture seekers alike — from world-class dining and distinctive accommodations to neighborhoods brimming with creativity and charm.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we invite you to rediscover a city that is constantly shaping, evolving and forging ahead. Welcome to the 2026 NFL Draft. Welcome to Pittsburgh.

Sara Innamorato

County Executive

Welcome to Allegheny County! As County Executive, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to our region for the 2026 NFL Draft. In Pittsburgh, we honor our storied past of steel making while forging our future in cutting-edge industries. Our people and our region are defined by hard work, pride and resilience.

While you’re visiting, I encourage you to explore all that our region has to offer. Discover neighborhoods that surprise and inspire, walk along our three rivers and marvel at our bridges, enjoy our local restaurants, museums, parks, and small businesses, and experience a skyline shaped by ingenuity and reinvention.

This weekend is a milestone for our region, and our passion for football shines especially bright as we welcome fans, teams and visitors from across the country. Thank you for joining us. We hope your experience here inspires many returns.

Christina Cassotis

CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Pittsburgh International Airport

Welcome to the City of Champions! The NFL Draft is a time of eager anticipation, as young players realize their dreams and hopeful fan bases meet their next franchise legends.

The Draft is all about the future, and that’s particularly relevant to the team at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Just as Pittsburgh transformed itself from steel capital to innovation hub, PIT has evolved from simply moving passengers to creating opportunity for our entire region.

Today, the vision and hard work is embodied in our beautiful new terminal that reflects who we are and what we value, even as it heartily welcomes visitors. Walk through and you’ll see Franco Harris, the iconic Steelers running back, immortalized mid- leap during the legendary “Immaculate Reception.” Like our beloved hometown Steelers, PIT honors its proud past while building toward a bright future — and building for the future is what the NFL Draft is all about.

So, welcome to the NFL Draft and welcome to Pittsburgh, where the future takes flight.