The year 2026 holds a special significance for Pittsburgh as the NFL has officially announced that the city will host the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision marks a historic milestone for Pittsburgh, as it has been 50 years since the city first hosted the event that eventually evolved into the NFL Draft in 1936.
Pittsburgh was chosen as the host city due to its strong connection to the early days of professional football, making it an ideal destination for such a prestigious event. While the exact location within Pittsburgh where the draft will take place has not been confirmed yet, it is speculated to be held on the North Shore near Acrisure Stadium and Stage AE.
Pittsburgh set to shine as host for the 2026 NFL Draft
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his excitement about the decision, stating, “The NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event each year, and we are thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH for our 2026 event. This presents a unique opportunity to showcase this vibrant community on a global platform, benefiting Pittsburgh’s economy and delighting football fans worldwide.”
The announcement was met with enthusiasm by Art Rooney II, President of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who commented, “This event will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that the region has to offer on a national and international scale.” The decision to host the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh followed a year-long collaborative effort by the Steelers and the city, with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Steelers formally submitting their bid last year.
Burt Lauten, a spokesman for the Steelers, expressed confidence in Pittsburgh’s ability to host the event, saying, “We are confident that our city will be a superb host, showcasing the rich history that ties Western Pennsylvania to the early days of professional football and the evolution of the sport over the decades.”
Josh Shapiro advocates for Pittsburgh as the NFL Draft host
Pittsburgh’s progress and economic strength have been key factors in Governor Josh Shapiro’s advocacy for hosting the NFL Draft in the city. Shapiro emphasized, “As the birthplace of America, and with the upcoming celebrations of our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, Pennsylvania will be a hub of economic activity in the coming years. We would be honored to have the NFL Draft as a centerpiece of these festivities.” He also pointed out Pennsylvania’s successful track record of hosting major sports events like the MLB All-Star Game, the FIFA World Cup, and the PGA Championship in 2026.
The hosting of the NFL Draft is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Pittsburgh, as demonstrated by the $94.9 million economic impact generated during the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, along with the creation of 30,000 jobs during the event. Governor Shapiro aims to replicate this success in Pittsburgh, positioning the city as a premier host for major sporting events.
With Pittsburgh gearing up to host the NFL Draft in 2026, the city will join a lineup of significant upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game. The enthusiasm and preparation efforts of local and state officials, coupled with the support of the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers, are set to make the 2026 NFL Draft a memorable and successful event for Pittsburgh and football fans worldwide.