Steelers President Art Rooney II received the Robert P. Imperata Spirit of Hospitality Award. This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the hospitality and tourism sector supporting Allegheny County. Rooney received the award from VisitPITTBURGH for his role in bringing the 2026 NFL Draft to Pittsburgh in April.
"Much like football, supporting our region's tourism industry is a true team effort. Art Rooney II understands the power of teamwork better than most," said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. "Thanks to the Rooney family's enduring legacy—and Art's leadership in bringing the NFL Draft to Pittsburgh—we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our city as a world-class destination on a global stage."
Rooney was presented the award by former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch, who is a member of the VisitPITTSBURGH board.
"I'm really honored to receive this Spirit of Hospitality award," said Rooney. "But I have to say it's really about all of us in this room making sure that our city is a hospitable place to visit, so thanks to all of you for helping make this happen."
Rooney thanked other stakeholders who were involved in bringing the Draft to Pittsburgh, including Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive, Corey O'Connor, the Mayor of Pittsburgh and the Host Committee.
"This has been an amazing experience," said Rooney. "A long time coming for a lot of us thinking about this a long time ago. It's finally here. It's going to be a lot of fun.
"It's been a great effort, and I'm proud of what's been going on."
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held on April 23-25, with the main stage just outside of Acrisure Stadium and activities taking place on the North Shore and Point State Park.
"It's really going to be exciting to see this many people come to our city," said Rooney. "As you all know, on Steelers game days, people come from all over. That's what is going to happen for the Draft."
Rooney knows there will be fans from other teams in town for the Draft, but he also expects plenty of black and gold.
"I really think Steelers Nation is going to come home for this event," said Rooney. "I think we're going to see a heck of a lot of Steelers fans from all over coming back to share in this. It's about planting seeds for the future. This is hopefully going to be an event the benefits will be seen for many years. I think that's what we are looking forward to, in addition to hosting another Draft someday.
"It's going to be a great celebration of our city."
Rooney also shared that leading up to the Draft the team hosts college prospects at their practice facility, meeting coaches and staff, and it's often the first time many of them have visited Pittsburgh.
"It's great to see a lot of these young guys," said Rooney. "It's the first time they've ever been to Pittsburgh. One of the things that's remarkable that a lot of them often comment about is coming through that (Fort Pitt) Tunnel and the City opens up to you.
"I think we have one of the great front doors of any city in the world, and it's going to be so much fine to welcome all those people here."
