Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your trip to the 2026 NFL Draft in the Steel City?

You've come to the right place! Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the dates, locations (Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park), ticket requirements, and the essential NFL OnePass app.

Dates, Location & Entry

When is the NFL Draft being held in Pittsburgh?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place over three days from Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is the first time the City of Pittsburgh has hosted the massive, three-day event.

Where will the main events for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh be located?

The 2026 NFL Draft will be split across the Allegheny River. The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located on the North Shore, utilizing the area outside Acrisure Stadium as a natural amphitheater. The NFL Draft Experience (the free fan festival) will be centered across the river at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh. View the recently released renderings of the NFL Draft Campus.

Is the NFL Draft free to attend, or do I need to buy tickets?

Admission is free for the primary fan event, the NFL Draft Experience. However, to enter and participate in activities, fans are required to register for the free NFL OnePass app. Seating in the main Draft Theater is typically limited and requires pre-registration or be reserved for invited guests.

Activities, Schedule & NFL OnePass

What is the NFL OnePass, and why do I need to download the app?

The NFL OnePass is your digital key to the Draft. It's a free mobile app required for entry into the NFL Draft Experience and other fan-focused events. It provides essential, real-time information like the event schedule, an interactive map, and the updated autograph session times for current players and legends.

What is the NFL Draft Experience?

NFL Draft Experience is an interactive fan festival, and will be located at Point State Park, transforming one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and scenic public spaces into a vibrant hub of football, community and culture. The Draft Experience will feature interactive activities, youth programming, food and beverage offerings, and immersive NFL exhibits designed for fans of all ages.

Where can I find the official schedule and maps for the NFL Draft Experience?

The most reliable and detailed source for the official daily schedule, including event times, stage performances, and site maps for the NFL Draft Experience, is the NFL OnePass mobile app.

Will there be opportunities to get autographs from NFL players or legends?

Yes. The NFL Draft Experience traditionally features free player autograph sessions with current NFL stars and team legends. The specific schedule and list of players are subject to change and will be exclusively available and updated within the NFL OnePass app shortly before and during the event.

Getting There & What to See

What are the best transportation options for getting to the NFL Draft area?

Attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation due to high traffic. Pittsburgh's 'T' light rail system is a fantastic option and often runs free between Downtown and the North Shore (where Acrisure Stadium is located). Additional options include rideshare services, buses, or pre-booking garage parking in the Downtown Pittsburgh area.

How do I get between the two Draft sites?

Connecting the Draft Theater and the NFL Draft Experience will be two signature Pittsburgh elements. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic and activated as a pedestrian-only fan corridor, creating a dramatic and walkable connection between the North Shore and Downtown. In addition, the Gateway Clipper Fleet will provide river transportation between Draft sites, offering fans a distinctly Pittsburgh way to experience the event while highlighting the city’s waterways.

What is the "Countdown Clock"?

You can visit the official 2026 NFL Draft Countdown Clock located on the North Shore Great Lawn. Standing nearly 20 feet tall, it celebrates Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods and the region's football legacy, serving as a primary landmark for the Draft campus.

What attractions are a must-see near the Pittsburgh Draft site?

Visitors can easily walk to top Pittsburgh attractions near the North Shore, including The Andy Warhol Museum, the Senator John Heinz History Center, and the Kamin Science Center. For an iconic view of the city and rivers, a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline up to Mount Washington is highly recommended.

Event Scope & Economic Impact

What is the estimated economic impact?

The three-day event is expected to draw representatives from all 32 NFL teams, top player prospects from the most iconic football conferences in the nation and between 500,000 to 700,000 fans. The economic impact of previous Draft destinations has ranged between $120 million to upwards of $213 million, and we expect Pittsburgh to be well within that range.

What is the estimated viewership?

Viewership of the NFL Draft has grown substantially to represent more than 50 million viewers worldwide, which provides an unmatched, near priceless global exposure opportunity for Pittsburgh.