April 23–25, 2026
Pittsburgh NFL Draft 2026:
Your Complete Visitor Guide
Everything you need for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh April 23-25. Free entry with OnePass. 500,000+ visitors. Two venues connected by a river. Written by a Cranberry Township local.
Countdown to Round 1
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Days
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Hours
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Min
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Sec
Apr 23–25
Thursday–Saturday
Free Entry
Register with OnePass
2 Venues
Point State Park + North Shore
500K+
Expected visitors
All T light rail, the Monongahela Incline, and all 4 Football Flyer buses are free April 23–25. See all free transit options
Weather update (Apr 21): Thursday looks clear and 70s. Friday chance of evening showers. Saturday rain is likely, possible thunder. Umbrellas banned, bring a rain poncho. Rain plan →
Written by Jordan Peacock, Cranberry Township resident · 27 Reddit threads analyzed · 70+ local businesses verified · Sources: VisitPittsburgh, PRT, WPXI, CBS Pittsburgh, Post-Gazette · Last updated April 21, 2026
Everything You Need for Draft Weekend
Start Here
Tickets & Venue
There are no tickets. Admission is free with NFL OnePass. Here's where the draft is and how to get in.
Essential
Parking & Transportation
Where to park, park-and-ride options, road closures, and why officials say don't drive.
Essential
Where to Stay
Hotels from $120/night in Cranberry to $2,000 downtown. Plus Airbnb and budget alternatives.
Food & Drink
Bars & Restaurants
44 spots to eat and drink near both venues, organized by neighborhood.
Planning
Schedule & What to Expect
Round-by-round times, free entry, bag policy, and concerts.
Planning
FAQ
Answers to the 20 most-asked questions about the draft.
Local
From Cranberry Township
Park-and-ride, bus routes, and tips from the northern suburbs.
Free Draft Weekend Checklist
Everything you need to pack, plan, and know before you go. Enter your email and get instant access.
Background
What Is the Pittsburgh NFL Draft, and Why Are 500,000 People Coming?
The 2026 Pittsburgh NFL Draft is a three-day football festival running April 23-25 at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore. Entry is free with NFL OnePass registration. The main draft stage sits at Acrisure Stadium, where teams make their picks on national TV. Across the Allegheny River at Point State Park, the NFL Draft Experience is a free fan zone with a 40-yard dash, field goal challenge, autograph sessions, Lombardi Trophy photo ops, live entertainment, drone shows, and the PicksBURGH 5K race. The Plaza at North Shore also hosts ticketed concerts with Nelly, Steve Aoki, and 2 Chainz. Nine NFL team markets sit within a 6-hour drive of Pittsburgh, making this one of the most accessible draft locations in recent history.
The NFL Draft has grown into one of the largest free public events in the country. According to the NFL, the 2024 Draft in Detroit drew 775,000 visitors over three days. Nashville drew 600,000 in 2019. Kansas City drew 330,000 in 2023. Pittsburgh is projecting 500,000-700,000 cumulative visitors, which would make it the largest event the city has ever hosted. The Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority estimates the economic impact at $120-200 million for the region, based on hotel bookings, restaurant spending, and transit usage during the three-day event.
Pittsburgh's official announcement as the 2026 NFL Draft host city
Schedule
Draft Schedule at a Glance
Thursday
April 23
Round 1
8:00 PM ET
Gates open at noon. The biggest night. Expect the largest crowds.
Friday
April 24
Rounds 2-3
7:00 PM ET
Gates open at noon. Slightly smaller crowds. Great day for the Draft Experience.
Saturday
April 25
Rounds 4-7
12:00 PM ET
Gates open at 9 AM. Locals say this is the best day. PicksBURGH 5K in the morning.
Northern Suburbs
Coming from Cranberry Township?
The T light rail doesn't go north. But there are park-and-ride options that'll get you downtown in 25 minutes. We wrote a guide specifically for you.
Cranberry Township GuideSave Money
Draft Weekend on a Budget
Downtown Pittsburgh hotels are charging $500-2,000 per night during draft weekend. Parking garages near Point State Park are expected to hit $100-250 per day. But the draft itself is completely free with NFL OnePass registration, all T light rail rides are free April 23-25 thanks to a Sheetz and PRT partnership, and hotels in Cranberry Township (25 minutes north) start at $120 per night. With park-and-ride lots and free transit, you can do the entire weekend for under $500.
Read the budget guide →Continue Reading
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