At a Glance
- Round 1: Thu Apr 23, 8:00 PM ET (gates open 12 PM)
- Rounds 2-3: Fri Apr 24, 7:00 PM ET (gates open 12 PM)
- Rounds 4-7: Sat Apr 25, 12:00 PM ET (gates open 9 AM)
- FREE entry with NFL OnePass app (download before you go)
- Bag policy: clear bags only, max 12x6x12 inches
Pittsburgh NFL Draft Schedule (Round-by-Round)
The 2026 Pittsburgh NFL Draft runs Thursday through Saturday, April 23-25. Here's the at-a-glance table first, then the full breakdown.
| Day | Date | Rounds | Picks start | Gates open | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | April 23 | Round 1 (32 picks) | 8:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM | Biggest, loudest |
| Friday | April 24 | Rounds 2-3 (64 picks) | 7:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM | Slightly smaller |
| Saturday | April 25 | Rounds 4-7 (161 picks) | 12:00 PM ET | 9:00 AM | Most relaxed, best for families |
All times Eastern. Gates open earlier than picks start. Free entry with NFL OnePass at both venues (Acrisure Stadium + Point State Park).
Thursday
April 23
Round 1
8:00 PM ET
32 picks. The main event. This is when the top prospects hear their names called. Expect the biggest crowds, loudest reactions, and heaviest security. Each pick gets 10 minutes (the NFL shortened it from 15 this year - first timing change since 2008), so this goes late.
Weather (Apr 21 forecast): Clear, low 70s dropping to upper 60s, no rain. Ideal conditions.
FREE at Draft Theater: Pittsburgh-native KELS sings the national anthem. Before that, the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" under Grammy-winning conductor Dr. Jeffery Redding.
Ticketed Concert: Steve Aoki at the Plaza at North Shore (12 PM, ticketed via GoFevo).
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Friday
April 24
Rounds 2-3
7:00 PM ET
64 picks total. The pace picks up. Picks move faster (7 minutes each in Round 2, 5 minutes in Round 3). Still prime-time energy. Drone show expected after the last pick.
Weather (Apr 21 forecast): Low 70s, slight chance of evening showers. Pack a poncho just in case.
FREE Concert at Draft Theater (5:15 PM): Pittsburgh's own Wiz Khalifa and Butler-native Bret Michaels (Poison) perform ahead of Rounds 2-3. Free with OnePass. First-come, first-served standing room.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Saturday
April 25
Rounds 4-7
12:00 PM ET
163 picks. Starts at noon, wraps up by early evening. This is the most relaxed day. Locals say Saturday is the best day to go. Smaller crowds, more space.
Weather (Apr 21 forecast): Rain likely, possible thunder. Pack a poncho (umbrellas banned). Read our rain-day game plan.
FREE Concert at Draft Theater: Country star Kane Brown closes the NFL Draft Entertainment Series after the final selections. Free with OnePass. First-come, first-served.
Ticketed Concert: 2 Chainz at the Plaza at North Shore (6 PM, ticketed via GoFevo).
PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K: 8:00 AM near PNC Park. One-time event. Register on Race Roster.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Wednesday
April 22
Opening Night
Pre-Draft
The party starts before the picks do. Nelly performs at the Plaza at North Shore for the Official Draft Opening Party (6 PM, $43, 18+, ticketed via GoFevo). Get here a day early if you can.
PicksBURGH Music Crawl (4:45 PM - Late)
13 venues across Pittsburgh with live music from jazz to metal. Starts at Market Square with DJ Arie Cole, NASH-V.ILL, and Big Jus & Steeltown Horns (4:45-7 PM). Commemorative guitar picks at every venue. Multiple free shows.
Market Square Grand Reopening
The newly renovated Market Square reopens with a ribbon cutting. Activations run all 3 draft days too: Thu-Fri 10 AM-9 PM, Sat 9 AM-7 PM. Steelers-themed bar, mini golf, live blacksmithing, photo stations.
Is the NFL Draft Free? (Yes)
100% free. No tickets required. You don't have to pay a dime to attend the NFL Draft.
There's one catch: you need to register through the NFL OnePass app before you go. It's free to register, but they want everyone in the system for crowd management and security purposes. Think of it like a free RSVP.
VIP packages exist through OnLocation (the NFL's official partner) but they're mostly sold out. 3-Day and First Round packages are gone. If you find resale tickets, expect to pay premium prices.
NFL OnePass App
Download this BEFORE you get to Pittsburgh
Don't wait until you're standing in line. Download the NFL OnePass app now, create your account, and register for the event. Here's why it matters:
- Required for entry to the Draft Experience and Draft Theater
- Interactive maps showing attractions, food vendors, and restrooms
- Real-time updates on wait times and event changes
- Exclusive offers and giveaways throughout the event
- It drains your battery. Bring a portable charger. Seriously. 500,000 people using the same app on the same cell towers. Your phone will be working overtime.
Register free at NFL.com/DraftAccess or download the NFL OnePass app from the App Store or Google Play.
Don't have a smartphone? The NFL will have free on-site registration kiosks at the entrance. You can walk up and register in person. But downloading the app in advance saves you time in line and gives you access to the interactive map, real-time updates, and autograph stage schedules.
Draft Experience vs. Draft Theater: What's the Difference?
People confuse these two constantly. They're two separate areas at two separate locations. Here's the quick breakdown:
Draft Experience
Point State Park (Downtown)
- Interactive fan zone (40-yard dash, field goals, autographs)
- Lombardi Trophy photos, NFL Shop, food vendors
- Clear bags up to 16x16x6
- Thu/Fri: 12-10 PM, Sat: 9 AM-6 PM
Draft Theater
North Shore (Acrisure Stadium)
- Main stage where picks are announced (the one on TV)
- Free concerts (Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown)
- On-field viewing inside Acrisure (Rounds 1-3)
- Clear bags up to 12x6x12 (stricter than Experience)
They're about a 15-minute walk apart across the Roberto Clemente Bridge (pedestrian-only during the draft). The T light rail also connects them for free. Plan to hit both.
Draft Experience at Point State Park
The Draft Experience is the free fan zone at Point State Park. It's basically a football-themed festival with interactive attractions, and it's open to everyone with an NFL OnePass registration.
Hours:
- Thursday & Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
What's there:
40-Yard Dash
Run the same 40 the prospects run. Get your time. Brag about it.
Field Goal Challenge
Try to kick a field goal. It's harder than it looks on TV.
Autograph Stage
Current and former NFL players signing autographs. Schedule announced through the OnePass app.
Lombardi Trophy Photos
Get your photo with the actual Vince Lombardi Trophy. The line will be long. It's worth it.
Draft Theater at Acrisure Stadium
This is the main stage where picks get announced. It's on the North Shore near Acrisure Stadium (where the Steelers play). The big stage, the commissioner, the boos, the hugs, the phone calls. This is where it all happens. Entry is completely free with your OnePass registration.
For Rounds 1-3 (Thursday and Friday), fans can watch from inside Acrisure Stadium on the field. It's a massive screen and the atmosphere is electric. The NFL is also running on-field activities, autograph opportunities, and Lombardi Trophy photo ops inside the stadium itself. Saturday's Rounds 4-7 are typically outdoor viewing only.
The free NFL Draft Entertainment Series concerts (Wiz Khalifa, Bret Michaels, Kane Brown) also happen at the Draft Theater. See the full concert schedule above.
Getting between the Draft Theater (North Shore) and the Draft Experience (Point State Park) is easy. The Roberto Clemente Bridge is pedestrian-only during draft weekend. You can walk it in about 15 minutes. The T light rail also connects both areas for free. Gateway Clipper riverboats are running between the two sites as well.
Bag Policy
This is critical. The two venues have different bag policies. Read this carefully so you don't get turned away at the gate.
Draft Experience (Point State Park)
- Clear bags up to 16" x 16" x 6"
- Small clutch purses (4.5" x 6.5")
- No backpacks
- No non-clear bags
Draft Theater (Acrisure Stadium)
- Clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12"
- Small clutch purses (4.5" x 6.5")
- No backpacks
- No non-clear bags
Pro tip: If you're going to both venues (and you probably are), size your bag for the stricter Stadium policy. A 12x6x12 clear bag works at both locations.
What to Wear & Bring
April in Pittsburgh is unpredictable. It could be 45 degrees and raining. It could be 75 and sunny. Sometimes both in the same day. Here's your packing checklist.
- Layers. A t-shirt, a hoodie or fleece, and a light jacket. You'll want options as the temperature swings throughout the day.
- Comfortable shoes. You're going to walk. A lot. The two draft venues are separated by a river, and you'll be on your feet for hours. Leave the new shoes at home.
- Portable charger. Non-negotiable. The OnePass app, photos, social media, and maps will drain your phone. Cell service will be spotty with 500,000 people on the same towers. Bring a fully charged power bank.
- Rain gear. A light rain jacket or poncho. Don't rely on the forecast. Pittsburgh weather changes fast.
- Clear bag. You need one. Get a 12x6x12 clear bag from Amazon before you go.
- Sunscreen. If it's sunny, you're outside for hours with no shade at Point State Park.
- Your team jersey. Obviously. Rep your team. Expect friendly trash talk from Steelers fans.
Free Draft Weekend Checklist
Everything you need to pack, plan, and know before you go. Enter your email and get instant access.
FREE NFL Draft Entertainment Series
The NFL just announced the headline acts for draft weekend. All performances are at the Draft Theater next to Acrisure Stadium. 100% free with OnePass registration. Standing room is first-come, first-served, so get there early.
Thursday, April 23: Draft Kickoff
The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" under Grammy-winning conductor Dr. Jeffery Redding. Then Pittsburgh-native KELS sings the national anthem to open the draft.
Friday, April 24: Wiz Khalifa + Bret Michaels (5:15 PM)
Two Pittsburgh icons on one stage. Wiz Khalifa ("Black and Yellow") and Bret Michaels (Poison, Butler native) perform ahead of Rounds 2-3. Wiz said: "Coming home to Pittsburgh for the Draft is pretty special. This city raised me."
Saturday, April 25: Kane Brown (after final picks)
Multi-platinum country star Kane Brown closes out the 2026 NFL Draft with the finale performance. He's touring behind his 2025 album "The High Road."
More Events Beyond the Draft
Beyond the free concerts, there's a full week of ticketed and free events. Here's what's happening.
Taste of the Draft
Tuesday, April 22 · Tower at PNC Plaza
Hosted by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern with 20+ local chefs. Benefits GENYOUth (ending student hunger in Pennsylvania). Tickets are $845. Mingle with past and present Steelers players and NFL Legends. Open bar, live entertainment.
Jason Aldean "The Night Before" Concert
Tuesday, April 22 · Rivers Casino Event Center
Country star Jason Aldean kicks off draft week at the Rivers Casino Event Center the night before Round 1. Ticketed event. Presented by Audacy and S&T Bank.
Draft After-Parties at Shorty's
Wed-Sat · Shorty's Goodtimes Bar, North Shore
The official draft after-party spot. Nelly (opening night Wed), Steve Aoki (Day 1 Thu), 2 Chainz (closing party Sat). Tickets available via GoFevo.
PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K
Saturday, April 25 · 8:00 AM · Near PNC Park
One-time event run by P3R (the Pittsburgh marathon organization). Expected to close the 16th Street Bridge Saturday morning. A fun way to start the final day of the draft. Registration on Race Roster.
Drone Show
After Day 2 (Friday night)
A drone light show is expected after the last pick on Friday night. Previous drafts have featured stunning aerial displays. The Pittsburgh skyline will make this one special.
Concerts at the Plaza at North Shore
Wed, Thu & Sat · Tickets on GoFevo
Three concerts at the brand new Plaza at North Shore, a 30,000 sq ft outdoor venue that opened April 2 right next to PNC Park (ticketed, not part of the free NFL Draft Experience):
- Wednesday, April 22 (Opening Party, 6 PM): Nelly ($43, 18+)
- Thursday, April 23 (Tailgate Party, 12 PM): Steve Aoki ($43, 18+)
- Saturday, April 25 (Closing Party, 6 PM): 2 Chainz ($46, 18+)
Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing (FREE)
Thu-Sat, April 23-25 · 9 AM-6 PM · Arts Landing, Cultural District
Free three-day celebration hosted by Pitt Athletics and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Experiential Pitt Football museum, interactive draft showcase, live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a dedicated children's activity zone. Walking distance to both draft venues.
Steel City Draft Weekend Urban Block Party
Saturday, April 25 · 8:00 PM · Petersen Events Center
Ticketed event featuring Jeezy, Boosie Badazz, Mya, and DJ Envy. Tickets available on Ticketmaster.
NFL Draft Block Party at The Villagio
Friday & Saturday, April 24-25 · Noon-9 PM · 939 Western Ave, North Shore
Block party on the North Shore both days. Tickets on Eventbrite.
Gabby Barrett at Pittsburgh Mills
Draft Weekend · Pittsburgh Mills Mall
Country star Gabby Barrett is headlining an alternative draft concert at Pittsburgh Mills mall, about 20 miles northeast of downtown. Good option if you want live music without the North Shore crowds.
More events: Omni William Penn "Draft Den" (activation running 2-11pm all draft week), Sheraton at Station Square "Legends Draft Party" ($162-$215), Trace Brewing "Draught Draft Party" (free, Thu-Fri 7-10pm), Grand Hall at The Priory "Steel City Draft Night" ($82-$269), and the love, Pittsburgh "Draft Darty" block party (free, Sat 3-6pm).
FAQ: Schedule Questions
What time does the 2026 NFL Draft start?
Round 1 starts Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 PM ET. Rounds 2-3 start Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM ET. Rounds 4-7 start Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 PM (noon) ET.
Is the NFL Draft free to attend?
Yes. The NFL Draft is completely free to attend. You just need to register through the NFL OnePass app before you go. Download it, create an account, and register for the event. No tickets required.
What is the NFL Draft bag policy?
Clear bags up to 12x6x12 inches or small clutch purses up to 4.5x6.5 inches. No backpacks, no non-clear bags. Umbrellas are banned. No footballs, inflatable balls, chairs, or coolers. Bring a rain poncho instead of an umbrella. You can bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at free refill stations inside the event. The entire event is cashless, credit cards only.
Do I need the NFL OnePass app for the draft?
Yes. NFL OnePass is required for entry to the Draft Experience and Draft Theater. Download it before you arrive, create your account, and register for the event. Your phone battery will drain fast because of the app, so bring a portable charger.
What happens if it rains during the NFL Draft?
The draft happens rain or shine. April in Pittsburgh can be anything from 45 to 75 degrees. Bring layers and rain gear just in case. The Draft Theater at Acrisure Stadium has covered seating, but the Draft Experience at Point State Park is mostly outdoors.
Now figure out the logistics
You know the schedule. Now plan where to eat, where to park, and where to stay.