Pittsburgh is Officially on the Clock

PITTSBURGH – VisitPITTSBURGH, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and the Sports and Exhibition Authority, today unveiled the region’s official countdown clock for the 2026 NFL Draft. The eye-catching installation marks the start to one of the most anticipated events in professional sports, which is set to bring between 500,000 to 700,000 fans to Pittsburgh April 23-25, 2026.

Located prominently along the North Shore Great Lawn, near Acrisure Stadium, the countdown clock serves as both a visual symbol of Pittsburgh’s growing excitement and a unique photo opportunity for the county’s 21 million annual visitors.

“Pittsburgh is officially on the clock—and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “This clock is more than just a timekeeper. It’s a symbol of the hard work ahead as we prepare to welcome the NFL, prospects, and fans from around the world. The community’s enthusiasm for the event has been infectious—so we wanted this installation to capture the essence of our energy and pride. This is Pittsburgh’s moment, and we’re ready to come together like Pittsburghers do and put on one of the best NFL Drafts fans have ever experienced and the world has ever watched.”

Designed to generate awareness and build momentum ahead of the Draft, the clock was brought to life by two acclaimed Pittsburgh-based firms—Actual Size and Carpenter Connection—whose work reflects Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage and bold, forward-looking spirit.

“As Governor of Pennsylvania, I was proud to make the case for Pittsburgh to host the Draft – a true American sports town, the birthplace of professional football, and the home of the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers, said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Pittsburgh is a dynamic city that’s on the rise, and my Administration has made historic investments in downtown alongside the county, the city, and our nonprofit and private sector partners to ensure this is the best NFL Draft in history for the hundreds of thousands who will travel to Western Pennsylvania. 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.”

Beyond the 18-foot-tall digital clock counting down to the event, the Sister Bridges-inspired steel beam holding it up features 212 total engraved notches – with one side representing regional programs that make up our area’s football legacy and the other showcasing all of Pittsburgh’s 90 unique neighborhoods—waiting to be explored.

“The 2026 NFL Draft represents a massive opportunity for our region—both economically and culturally—so we wanted this structure to serve both as a reminder of our roots and an installation that everyone across Allegheny County can be proud of,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “This is just the first of many milestones in what will be a transformational event for the region in 2026 and beyond.”

The two-sided clock was designed to encourage photo opportunities for both football fans, residents and visitors alike. From one side, visitors can capture all 90 neighborhoods and Pittsburgh’s iconic rivers, bridges and skyline. From the other side, football fans can capture Pittsburgh’s rich football legacy showcased through Western Pennsylvania high school football programs and famed Acrisure Stadium.

“The Draft is an unprecedented opportunity for our region,” said Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers President. “We look forward to working with the NFL and a host of public and private partners to deliver an authentically Pittsburgh Draft that fosters community pride, seizes economic opportunity, and cements Western Pennsylvania’s unique place in the history and future of the game of football.”

The 2026 NFL Draft will bring together representatives from all 32 NFL teams, top player prospects from the most iconic college conferences and fans from around the world. The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay was attended by over 600,000 fans, matching Nashville’s record in 2019 for the second-highest attendance in Draft history and was seen by more than 50 million viewers worldwide.

“When the NFL Draft comes to Pittsburgh, the world will witness a city that’s powered by passion, driven by purpose, and moving full-speed toward progress,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “From our vibrant neighborhoods to our iconic skyline, Pittsburgh is ready to put on a show—and the countdown starts now. Our entire community is geared up and ready to shine.”

To learn more about the 2026 NFL Draft, visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.

Fans are also encouraged to visit and showcase their countdown to the Draft photos using #LovePGH and #2026NFLDraft. Follow VisitPITTSBURGH on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn to track the local host committee’s progress and begin planning your trip to Pittsburgh.

For photos from today’s event, click here. For b-roll, click here.