The National Football League, in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Steelers, released the first official renderings of the 2026 NFL Draft, offering fans an early look at how the league's premier offseason event will unfold across Pittsburgh's North Shore and Downtown, encompassing a city defined by grit, reinvention, and an enduring passion for football.
The renderings highlight a bold, two-site Draft campus designed to showcase Pittsburgh's landmarks, waterways, and unmistakable skyline while delivering an immersive fan experience. The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located just outside Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh's North Shore, placing the Draft at the heart of one of the country's most recognizable sports districts.
"We're excited by the NFL's release of renderings for the 2026 NFL Draft," said Dan Rooney, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "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."
The Draft Theater viewing area will create a dramatic setting for pick selections and televised coverage. Globally-televised shots from the stage will feature Pittsburgh's skyline, rivers and bridges – a backdrop that reflects the ingenuity and character of the city known as the one that helped build America and forged an unmatched football legacy.
"These renderings bring the 2026 NFL Draft vision to life in a way that is uniquely Pittsburgh," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business, International and League Events. "From the North Shore to Point State Park, this campus design captures the city's energy, authenticity, and deep-rooted connection to the game, while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans around the world."
Elements of the NFL Draft Experience, the league's interactive fan festival, will be located at Point State Park, transforming one of Pittsburgh's most historic and scenic public spaces into a vibrant hub of football, community and culture. Set at the confluence of the city's three rivers, the Draft Experience will feature interactive activities, youth programming, food and beverage offerings, and immersive NFL exhibits designed for fans of all ages.
Connecting the Draft Theater and the NFL Draft Experience will be two signature Pittsburgh elements. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic and activated as a pedestrian-only fan corridor, creating a dramatic and walkable connection between the North Shore and Downtown. In addition, the Gateway Clipper Fleet will provide river transportation between Draft sites, offering fans a distinctly Pittsburgh way to experience the event while highlighting the city's waterways.
"The layout of the 2026 NFL Draft campus is intentionally designed to celebrate Pittsburgh's sense of place," said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. "From the North Shore to Point State Park, across the Roberto Clemente Bridge and along the rivers, this Draft will showcase our city's character, connectivity, and hospitality in a way only Pittsburgh can."
Additional details regarding fan entry points, transportation operations, and event logistics will be announced as Draft Week approaches.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23–25, 2026, welcoming 500,000 to 700,000 fans to Pittsburgh for three days of live entertainment, interactive experiences and celebration of the future of football.
Fans interested in attending the 2026 NFL Draft can also register here. For more information on the 2026 NFL Draft visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.
