Pittsburgh reveals 2026 NFL Draft renderings

Ava Cerro, Staff Writer

February 25, 2026

Pittsburgh is on the clock.

As announced on January 23, 2025, the 2026 NFL Draft will be held in the Steel City in April 2026. With festivities around the North Shore and Point State Park, Yinzers across the city are excited to bring this 89-year-old tradition to the town.

Revealing the style for the draft was the first step in preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to draw 500,000-700,000 visitors to Pittsburgh and attract more than 50 million viewers worldwide.

Jerad Bachar, the president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, spoke on the draft, saying: “We’re thrilled with the creative direction the League has chosen for the 2026 NFL Draft. This look is unapologetically Pittsburgh—grounded in culture, creativity, and character. The NFL Draft is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and this creative direction ensures that Pittsburgh shines both as a sports town and a vibrant cultural destination. It proves we can stay true to who we are—while presenting a fresh perspective.”

As of February 4, 2026, the NFL, with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Steelers Corporation, released the first official renderings of the 2026 NFL Draft, letting fans have an early look at how the league’s Draft will take place across Pittsburgh.

The renderings showcase a two-site Draft campus designed to spotlight Pittsburgh’s most acclaimed landmarks, waterways, and skyline while giving fans an experience they will never forget. The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located just outside Acrisure Stadium.

“We’re excited by the NFL’s release of renderings for the 2026 NFL Draft,” said Dan Rooney, the vice president of business development and strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a statement released about the renderings, “Football fans from around the world will see how Pittsburgh’s iconic landscape creates a natural amphitheater, providing the perfect setting for this world-class celebration of football – all in the heart of Western Pennsylvania – a region that holds a unique place in the history of the game.”

Point State Park is going to be transformed into a hub of football, community, and culture. Set at the meeting of the city’s three rivers, the Draft Experience will have interactive activities, youth programs, food and beverages, and immersive NFL exhibits designed for fans of all ages.

The Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to traffic and will be a pedestrian-only fan area, creating an iconic walkable connection between the North Shore and Downtown. The Gateway Clipper Fleet will be providing river transportation between Draft sites.

Fans interested in attending the 2026 NFL Draft can register here. For more information on the 2026 NFL Draft can visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.

About the Contributor

Ava Cerro, Staff Writer

“And another interception from Ava Cerro!” With quick reflexes and sharp instincts, Ava stands out on the flag football field, leading the team with frequent interceptions! As a cornerback, Ava is the backbone of the defense, using her acute awareness to shut down opposing receivers. Her ability to read plays and anticipate passes makes her a constant threat to quarterbacks, and her notable number of interceptions shows just how valuable she is to the team. Ava is also making a mark off the field. As a first-time member of Scholastic Publications, she plans to focus primarily on the Hawk Eye newspaper. She says the class is “the perfect opportunity” to help pursue her dream career in sports journalism. Ava’s commitment to writing will follow her to Penn State, where she plans to double major in Journalism and Film Production. If you’re on the couch during a Friday night, streaming the Bethel Park football game, you might recognize Ava’s voice. An important part of Black Hawk TV, her live commentating ties together the game’s events for at-home viewers. “Hard-working, independent, and efficient” are three words that perfectly capture Ava’s character. Whether she’s reporting, playing, or announcing, her strong work ethic and determination shine through. When she’s not working diligently, you might find Ava working through story-based video games like “Call of Duty,” “The Last of Us,” and “Detroit: Become Human.” You may also find her strumming her acoustic guitar or practicing piano with ease. Her favorite genre is action, especially Marvel and Star Wars films. If she’s not watching combat-packed movies, she’s listening to Modern Alternative and Pop artists such as Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and Katseye. Wherever you find her, on the field, behind the microphone, or in the newsroom, Ava Cerro is devoted to her many aspirations and determined to succeed! Written by: Madelyn Hucko, Staff Writer