The countdown for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh has officially begun, and Steelers fans and visitors from around the world can keep a close eye on how much longer it is until one of the league's biggest events takes place.
Pittsburgh is hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23-25, 2026.
On Monday, Pittsburgh officially went 'on the clock' with the unveiling of the 2026 NFL Draft Countdown Clock.
The Steelers, VisitPITTSBURGH, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh unveiled the two-sided digital clock on the North Shore Great Lawn, with a backdrop of Acrisure Stadium from one side and the city skyline from the other, making it not just a symbol for the upcoming draft, but a one-of-kind photo opportunity for those visiting the region.
The NFL Draft is always one of the top events in professional sports, and the expectation is it could draw between 500,000 and 700,000 fans to the region.
"Pittsburgh is officially on the clock, and we couldn't be more excited," said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. "This clock is more than just a timekeeper. It's a symbol of the hard work ahead as we prepare to welcome the NFL, prospects, and fans from around the world. The community's enthusiasm for the event has been infectious, so we wanted this installation to capture the essence of our energy and pride.
"This is Pittsburgh's moment, and we're ready to come together like Pittsburghers do and put on one of the best NFL Drafts fans have ever experienced and the world has ever watched."
The clock was unveiled during a press conference on the North Shore, and Steelers President Art Rooney II is excited for what is ahead when the eyes of the NFL and sports fans around the world are on Pittsburgh.
Rooney joked he might need to get a boat to travel from the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side, where the team's draft headquarters are, to the North Shore where all of the excitement for the draft will be because of the influx of guests in the area.
"What this is really going to be about is having fun," said Rooney. "It you talk to anybody that's been to the draft recently, the contingent we just had in Green Bay talked about how much fun people were having in Green Bay. Well, this is going to be about talking about how much fun we're going to have in Pittsburgh. And it's not just going to be for one weekend. It's going to be talking about how much fun it is to live here; how much fun it is visit here. So, we have a whole year now to talk about this. And this clock that we're going to unveil is going to remind us about that every day.
"We're going to be talking about our city, this region. We're talking about our city around the world as we announce that we are playing a game in Ireland this year. So, there's so many great things that are coming together in this upcoming year. It'll be a busy year, but it'll be a great year for the City of Pittsburgh and for Western Pennsylvania.
"I thank all of you for being here, and I look forward to having some fun with you over the next year."
After Rooney spoke, the clock was unveiled, and it wouldn't have been complete without 'Renegade' blaring during it.
The six-foot wide clock, which includes the days, hours, minutes and seconds until the 2026 NFL Draft, is on an 18-foot-tall steel beam and was created by two Pittsburgh-based firms, Actual Size and Carpenters Connection, and highlights Pittsburgh's heritage and future.
The beam was inspired by the Sister Bridges along the Allegheny River, with 180 engraved notches, one side representing programs that are part of the region's football legacy and the other representing Pittsburgh's 90 neighborhoods.
"The 2026 NFL Draft represents a massive opportunity for our region, both economically and culturally, so we wanted this structure to serve both as a reminder of our roots and an installation that everyone across Allegheny County can be proud of," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. "This is just the first of many milestones in what will be a transformational event for the region in 2026 and beyond."
The 2025 NFL Draft was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with 600,000 fans attending the three-day event, tying Nashville for the second-highest attendance, only behind Detroit. Green Bay saw an economic boost from the event, with grants provided to local agencies and non-profits as well.
The same types of benefits are expected for the Pittsburgh region, which will see representatives and fans from all 32 NFL teams, draft prospects, national media and more descend upon the area.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said he thinks the crowd for the three-day event could reach one million people, which would make it the biggest draft ever.
"When the NFL Draft comes to Pittsburgh, the world will witness a city that's powered by passion, driven by purpose, and moving full-speed toward progress," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "From our vibrant neighborhoods to our iconic skyline, Pittsburgh is ready to put on a show, and the countdown starts now. Our entire community is geared up and ready to shine.
"When I think about how many people say they live somewhere else, but in their hearts they still reside here in our most livable city. It's more than the NFL Draft. For many that will come back it's a family reunion. It's a reunion of who we are and where we're going. To show our city on a global market. We want to welcome everybody here. I couldn't be more thankful to the Pittsburgh Steelers for this opportunity to showcase 90 neighborhoods that make our city one.
"Four-one-two (area code 412) lets go get it."
To learn more about the 2026 NFL Draft, visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.
