Draft Schedule (Round-by-Round)
The 2026 NFL Draft runs Thursday through Saturday, April 23-25. Here's the full breakdown.
Day 1
Thursday, April 23
Round 1 (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, so this goes late.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Day 2
Friday, April 24
Rounds 2-3 (64 picks total for Day 2). 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.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Day 3
Saturday, April 25
Rounds 4-7 (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, plus the featured concert happens after the final pick.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
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.
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.
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. Saturday's Rounds 4-7 are typically outdoor viewing only.
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 or Target 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.
Events Beyond the Draft
The draft isn't just about picks. There's a full week of events surrounding it. Here's what's happening.
Taste of the Draft
Tuesday, April 22 · Tower at PNC Plaza
Charity food event with 20+ restaurants. Benefits GENYOUth (ending student hunger). Tickets are $845. Premium experience with NFL player appearances.
Jason Aldean "The Night Before" Concert
Tuesday, April 22 · Rivers Casino
Country star Jason Aldean kicks off draft week at Rivers Casino the night before Round 1. 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. Steve Aoki (draft eve opening party), Nelly (after Day 1), 2 Chainz (after Day 2). This is where the party moves after picks end.
PicksBURGH 5K
Saturday, April 25 · Morning (before Day 3)
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.
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.
Free Concerts at the Draft
All 3 days · Draft Experience stage
The NFL hosts free concerts as part of the Draft Experience. Past drafts had Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Brad Paisley, and Big Sean. The 2026 lineup hasn't been announced yet, but the Day 3 headliner is typically the biggest act.
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?
The Draft Experience at Point State Park allows clear bags up to 16x16x6 inches. The Draft Theater at Acrisure Stadium has a stricter policy: clear bags up to 12x6x12 inches only. No backpacks, large purses, or non-clear bags at either venue.
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.