When and Where Is the 2026 NFL Draft Being Held?

The NFL Draft returns to Pittsburgh for the first time since 1947.

When and Where Is the 2026 NFL Draft Being Held?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at NFL Draft (Image via IMAGO)

The 2026 NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh. In association with Bud Light, VisitPITTSBURGH is organizing the first big event in the NFL Calendar. The Draft will take place April 23-25, 2026.

The three-day event will be split across the Allegheny River. The organizers have planned the event in a way that they can fully utilize the massive space of Acrisure Stadium. With that in mind, the Draft Theater and Main Stage will be built at the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Let’s not forget about the fan experience. A draft does not mean people flocking to one area to see the best college players find new homes to kickstart their pro career; it also allows the city and its residents to spend three days surrounded by a carnival-like atmosphere.

A temporary fan zone will be built across the river at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh. According to VisitPITTSBURGH, entry is free for all, so fans are encouraged to drop by and partake in the festivities.

Why did the NFL select Pittsburgh as the venue for the 2026 NFL Draft?

The idea of the NFL holding a draft to select players was introduced in 1935. The first draft took place a year later on Feb. 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia. Eleven years later, in 1947, the city of Pittsburgh hosted its first draft. So, the draft is a part of the history of the state of Pennsylvania and for its people.

When and Where Is the 2026 NFL Draft Being Held?
Acrisure Stadium (Image via IMAGO)

However, Pittsburgh has waited nearly 79 years to host another draft. Governor Josh Sapiro earlier this year claimed that Pittsburgh is the best choice to host one of the biggest events in pro sports, which is not named the Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh has always been a center of economic growth and opportunity in Pennsylvania, and it is a centerpiece for our growing tourism industry here. We’re looking forward to hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors who will bring significant impact to the local economy — and my Administration is ready to work with our partners at all levels to host this historic Draft and show the entire country what Pennsylvania is all about.

Shapiro said

The NFL Draft has always been a fan-favorite event. But it has gotten more attention and is becoming more popular every year. For example, over 775,000 fans attended the 2024 draft in Detroit, and more than 50 million viewers tuned in on ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, and ABC-affiliated channels. Furthermore, the three-day celebration generated $213 million in economic impact for the city of Detroit. Pittsburgh is looking to make a similar profit and may even surpass those numbers.

Former Pittsburgh favorite to take center stage at the Draft

Every year, the league invites special guests to announce some of the draft picks. It can be anyone, a former player, a current NFL star, a celebrity, or even a local. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner will announce the Cardinals’ day two picks (34 and 65).

Conner is a native of Pennsylvania and played four years of college football for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 3rd round of the 2017 draft. After four seasons in the AFC North, Conner signed with the Cardinals in 2021. Conner is a two-time Pro Bowler, accumulating over 6000 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns in 110 appearances.

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