The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here in Pittsburgh, and I plan to take full advantage of it — at least for the first day, with more to follow over the weekend. Whether you’re tailgating on the North Shore, lucky enough to snag a spot near the draft stage, or watching from your man cave, it’ll be electric to watch the Steelers add the next generation of Black and Gold talent.
I’m driving in on Wednesday and crashing with friends in a house on the Ohio River through the weekend. Hotel prices are sky-high this week, and estimates suggest 100,000–250,000 people could flood the city daily. That means heavy traffic and premium parking prices, with some spots reportedly hitting $94 a day.
My solution? The Football Flyer — four free PRT routes sponsored by local organizations. I’ll use the 99W and the park-and-ride from University Boulevard in Moon Township.
Not Pittsburgh’s First Draft
This isn’t the first time Pittsburgh has hosted the NFL Draft. The city held the 1948 draft, and Alex Kozora wrote a great piece about that. Back then, the draft wasn’t open to the public and moved quickly — it lasted 13 hours, spanned 32 rounds, and featured 300 total picks. Pittsburgh even played a behind-the-scenes role in the 1949 draft.
A secret meeting took place at the Schenley Hotel on November 15, 1948, where NFL teams picked players ahead of the rival All-America Conference. The Steelers selected Clemson tailback Bobby Gage, Mississippi State back Harper Davis, and Notre Dame center Bill Walsh. The strategy paid off for some: Gage and Walsh suited up for Pittsburgh, though Davis jumped to the Los Angeles Dons.
Thursday, Day 1 (Round 1)
The draft doesn’t start until 8 p.m., but I’ll make a full day of it in Pittsburgh. The Football Flyer begins running at 10 a.m. every 15 minutes, so I’ll catch an early bus and reach the North Shore before noon. My first stop is the Draft Clock. From there, I’ll stroll toward the river, cross the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and head to the Point. That’s where Steelers Country will be set up — the dedicated zone for Black and Gold fans. According to the team’s site, the features include:
- Steelers Nation Unite Bar: A global Steelers-themed bar experience with rotating pop-ups from Steelers bars around the world (beverages for purchase)
- Immersive Fan Cave: A 1970s-inspired Pittsburgh basement recreating a classic Steelers fan’s home
- Steelers Six Super Bowl Rings Display: Larger-than-life replicas of the franchise’s championship trophies
- Entertainment and Shows: Live Q&As with Steelers legends and current players, plus daily stage entertainment including the Steelers Draft Countdown Show (Thursday, April 23 from 7-8 p.m.)
- Terrible Towel Art Piece: A custom installation honoring one of sports’ most iconic symbols
- Yard Games & Photo Opportunities: Interactive games and branded photo moments for fans of all ages
From Steelers Country, I’ll meet up with friends at the Terrible Tailgate on Federal Street. It’ll be a rocking NFL Draft party with Steelers legend Maurkice Pouncey and current linebacker Jack Sawyer attending. I’m hoping Pouncey signs my 2011 Terrible Towel — I’ve pledged not to retire it until the Steelers’ next Super Bowl appearance.
It’s a sold-out event, and I’m glad I grabbed tickets early. After some tailgate food, it’ll be nearly draft time. I wasn’t selected in the lottery for tickets close to the stage in the Pit, but I’m hoping to get into Acrisure Stadium for big-screen viewing. The Steelers’ first-round pick likely won’t come until around 10:45 p.m. (unless they trade up). I doubt I’ll stick around for the final pick of the round, which could stretch well past midnight.
Friday, Day 2 (Rounds 2-3)
The draft kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, so I’ll pack in another full day. I’ll get coffee on the North Side with a college friend, then head to the Draft Clock and the full NFL Draft Experience zone (open noon to 10 p.m.). This is the league’s ultimate interactive fan festival, and I won’t explore it all on Thursday.
I’m looking forward to watching the hands-on activities: the 40-yard dash simulator, the field goal-kicking challenge, the Hail Mary throwing station, the vertical jump tester, and the “Gear Up and Go” area. There will be photo ops with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a Bud Light Beer Hall, and Taste of Pittsburgh food vendors.
I’ll wander around the North Shore, checking out the PLAY 60 zone with skills challenges and a mini-field outside Gate A, plus USA Football coaching sessions or NFL FLAG activities. The Topps Collector Celebration will also feature hands-on card activations and live programming.
Mid-afternoon, I’ll link up with friends for food from the Taste of Pittsburgh options or spots along Federal Street. As evening approaches, the energy will ramp up with the NFL Draft Entertainment Series. Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa and rock legend Bret Michaels will perform at the Draft Theater stage around 5:15 p.m. — a perfect Steel City double bill before the picks begin.
I still haven’t decided exactly where I’ll watch Rounds 2-3. Fans can view from the field inside Acrisure Stadium (gates open at noon; blankets allowed in some areas), and there will be big screens across the Draft Experience, North Shore, and Point State Park. Bars and watch parties throughout the North Shore, Downtown, and Mount Washington will offer special deals. The Steelers’ picks should come earlier than Thursday’s, so I’ll probably stick around longer.
Saturday, Day 3 (Rounds 4-7)
Saturday features Rounds 4-7 starting at noon. I’ll begin the morning back in California, PA, attending the California Alumni Association Distinguished Awards ceremony at 10:00 a.m. With lighter Saturday traffic and easier parking, I’ll drive straight to Pittsburgh afterward (about a 45-minute trip) and arrive around 1 p.m.
Once in the city, I’ll head to the North Shore to catch the remainder of the Draft. The NFL Draft Experience (gates open at 9 a.m., runs until 6 p.m.) will still offer interactive zones, skills challenges, and photo ops. Arriving mid-afternoon, I’ll likely follow the picks on my phone via Steelers Depot for real-time analysis and Steelers-focused coverage while staying mobile.
Mid-to-late afternoon, I’ll shop in the Strip District. The area will have extra buzz, thanks to the 2026 NFL Draft Weekend Market at the Strip District Terminal (11 a.m.–3 p.m.). Local vendors are offering handcrafted goods, homemade treats, live music, and Pittsburgh-unique finds. I’ll browse for souvenirs, grab a bite, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. As evening hits, I may swing back to the North Shore if time allows to catch any final Draft Theater vibes or the post-draft concert (Kane Brown is scheduled after the final selections). Otherwise, I’ll take one last walk around the Point or Downtown, grab some food, and reflect on a memorable weekend that mixed alumni honors, football fandom, and classic Pittsburgh shopping.
Conclusion
Mike McCarthy’s first draft as Steelers head coach is a big one, with 12 picks in hand. Here’s hoping GM Omar Khan channels some Art Rooney wheeling and dealing — but with better results at keeping the stars in black and gold.
Pittsburgh will be crazy this week. As an average Steelers fan, though, I’m not sure the next NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will happen in my lifetime. I have to experience it. Here we go.
Your Song Selection
I always like to include a bit of music. Soon, all our anticipation will be done. All the mock drafts in and victory declared if we peg a couple of the Steelers actual picks. But it’s our thing. Here is “It’s Our Thing ” performed by The Isley Brothers.