2026 NFL Draft: Know Before You Go

Prepare yourself for this once-in-a-lifetime experience

Do you have everything you need to attend the 2026 NFL Draft? Here's what you need to know before you head out the door.

Download the NFL OnePass app

You don't need a ticket to get into the Draft. All you need is the NFL OnePass app. The app is free to download and includes a unique QR code that will be scanned to grant you entry. Inside the app, you can also find schedules of events, itineraries around the Draft footprint and Pittsburgh, maps of the campus around Point State Park and the North Shore, and more.

Dress Accordingly

Definitely check the weather before you head out the door. The forecast for the week could change, but plan for hot temperatures and possible drizzles. We recommend bringing layers so you can easily be comfortable no matter the weather.

Pack Accordingly

The Draft is an all-day affair, so you'll want to make sure you have everything you need once you're here. The Draft is an NFL event, which means the league's clear-bag policy is in effect. This policy applies to tote bags, purses, fanny packs, and more, with the exception of strollers. You can bring your own food and drink if you have dietary restrictions, and we definitely recommend bringing your own refillable water bottle and using the various hydration stations scattered throughout the Draft footprint.

Put Your Cash Away

The Draft is ticketless as well as cashless. Make sure you get your debit and credit cards prepped before you get into the Draft footprint. Even so, you might want to carry a little bit of cash on you throughout the day. Outside of the footprint you can use your cash, as well as on golf carts that can take you around the city and the Draft campus.

Know Where You're Going

The Draft footprint is extensive, spanning both Pittsburgh's North Shore and Point State Park. The Draft Theater is on the North Shore right outside of Acrisure Stadium, and that section of the campus can be accessed from three different entry points: one by the Great Lawn, one on Tony Dorsett Drive, and one by Rivers Casino. At Point State Park, you'll find the red carpet, Vince Lombardi Trophy display, food vendors, and more, all within one easy entry point. And travel between both campuses is quick and easy - the Gateway Clipper Fleet is taking fans to and from both sides for free, and the Roberto Clemente Bridge has been transformed into a complete pedestrian path for the week.

And Know How You're Getting There

Driving is an option to get to the Draft, but we really can't recommend it with road closures and traffic expectations. Instead, you can utilize Pittsburgh's public transportation system, with some options even being no cost! The Monongahela Incline on Mt. Washington is free, as well as Pittsburgh Regional Transit's "T" lightrail system and "Football Flyer" bus routes. The "T" operates through the South Hills to Downtown and the North Shore, with park and rides available at several stations. So no worrying about parking!

More: Getting to the Draft: A Comprehensive Transportation Guide

Experience Pittsburgh Like Never Before

The Draft got you in the door. Now, you can experience the City of Champions in a way never seen before. After we've forged the future of football, we invite you to look inward to our city on the rise. We were carved in steel, but our culture was solidified in the food that will have you begging for seconds, our hills that offer you a unique perspective, and our community that calls you a neighbor right after your introduction. The Draft is just the beginning, and we're nowhere near done yet.