Youth Programming During the 2026 NFL Draft
During Draft week, we’re creating safe, high-energy spaces where young people across Pittsburgh can come together, stay engaged, and be part of the excitement in a positive way.
In partnership with trusted community organizations, a series of youth-centered events and activity hubs will take place across the city—offering everything from sports and gaming to mentorship, music, and career exploration.
What's Happening Where
Across multiple neighborhood and Downtown venues, youth will find a wide range of free, drop-in activities, including:
🏈 Flag football games, clinics & skills challenges
🎮 Madden tournaments & gaming competitions
🎧 Music, dance, and live DJ experiences
🧠 Mentorship moments and career exploration opportunities
🏆 Friendly competitions with prizes and giveaways
Participants will also have chances to receive exclusive NFL swag and prizes throughout the weekend.
Where To Go
Programming will take place at the following venues, each offering its own unique mix of activities and experiences.
Bring your friends. Try something new. Be a part of the excitement.
This is your Draft, too.
Upcoming Youth Events
FEATURED EVENT
HACP Citywide NFL Draft Tailgate 2026
When: Friday, April 24, 2026 (3pm-7pm)
Where: 510 Heldman St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15219 (Crawford-Roberts)
Join the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), ACH Clear Pathways, and Friends for a citywide celebration during the 2026 NFL Draft! Bring your family, represent your favorite team, and celebrate community, opportunity, and the future of our youth!
Community Tailgate Experience includes:
- Madden Football Championship Finals - Watch the top youth competitors battle it out with prizes awarded to the winner
- Coach Tomlin Community Appreciation Tribute - ACH Clear Pathways art students will create a giant appreciation card signed by attendees honoring former Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin
- Youth Career Forum Panel - Featuring professionals from the NFL, RCA/Sony Records and others discussing careers in sports, music, and media
- Tailgate Food & Refreshments - Available throughout the event, no cost
- Giveaways & Prizes - Throughout the event including a raffle for gaming console
- W.D.W. Cyberbus - STEM Coding Lab hands on tech exploration
- Cyberbus 2.0 - Workforce Development Career pathways, digital skills, and opportunity connections
Ammon Recreation Center
When: April 23 & 24 (6pm-9pm), April 25 (12pm-3pm)
Where: 2217 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, 15219 (Bedford Dwellings)
A daily Draft Party will be held at Ammon Recreation Center in Bedford Dwellings from 6pm-9pm on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24. On Thursday, participate in punt pass and kick games, different flag skills challenges and more. On Friday, there will be a flag football clinic with assistance from Pittsburgh Flag Football. Then, from 12pm-3pm on Saturday, April 25, there will be flag football for all to enjoy.
Magee Recreation Center
When: April 23 & 24 (6pm-9pm), April 25 (12pm-3pm)
Where: 745 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217 (Greenfield)
A daily Draft Party will be held at Magee Recreation Center from 6pm-9pm on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24. On Thursday, participate in punt pass and kick games, different flag skills challenges and more. On Friday, there will be a flag football clinic with assistance from Pittsburgh Flag Football. Then, from 12pm-3pm on Saturday, April 25, there will be flag football for all to enjoy.
YouthPlaces
When: April 22-25 (3pm-9pm)
Where: 711 West Commons, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212 (Allegheny Center)
YouthPlaces will be hosting activities from April 22-24, 3pm-9pm. A block party will take place from 3pm-5pm on Saturday, April 25, with festivities going until 9pm.
Jordan Miles Center – Downtown
When: April 23 & 24 (6pm-10pm), April 25 (12pm-4pm)
Where: 309 Smithfield Street Floor 5, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 (Downtown)
Downtown's Jordan Miles Center is hosting plenty of activities throughout the Draft. On Thursday, April 23, there will be a Madden tournament with cash prizes of $250, $125, and $75 from 6pm to 10pm. On Friday, April 24, there will be a NFL Draft Youth "Friday Night Lights" kickback with a DJ and food, also from 6pm to 10pm. Then on Saturday, April 25, there will be a meet-and-greet with NFL players at the Draft from 12pm to 4pm.
