It’s official, the City of Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft.
The NFL made the announcement official on Wednesday morning during league meetings in Nashville, TN.
In a release from the Steelers, the draft will use Acrisure Stadium as well as Point State Park.
"The NFL Draft is one of the biggest, most-anticipated sporting events of the year, and we're thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH for our 2026 event," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We have a unique opportunity to spotlight this wonderful community on a global stage, benefiting Pittsburgh's economy and entertaining football fans from all markets. We know this pride of Pennsylvania will shine bright in 2026."
"We are excited that the City of Pittsburgh has been selected to host the 2026 NFL Draft," said Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers President. "This will be an amazing event that will highlight everything the region has to offer on a national and international level. I truly appreciate the work that has been done by VisitPITTSBURGH, the NFL, local and state officials, and internally within our organization to accomplish our goal of being selected to host the NFL Draft. We look forward to football fans from all across the country coming to enjoy our city's culture while also showcasing our rich football history and tradition in the region."
Other than the Super Bowl, there isn’t a bigger event the City of Pittsburgh could host.
The draft will generate millions of dollars for Pittsburgh’s economy.
Bob Buzzelli, a successful business and entertainment consultant, said it’s a huge deal for Pittsburgh.
“I think it’s going to put Pittsburgh in a great light again on a national basis.
Detroit had so much going on here at every restaurant… Honestly, everything was controlled, so many people, so many things going on. I think for Pittsburgh, it would obviously impact economically but I think it gives some visibility to our town again.”
The business and entertainment consultant told KDKA Radio the crowd nearest the stage last night was 275,000. He compared the event to a combination of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.
In recent times, when Taylor Swift brought her world tour to Pittsburgh, local business boomed. According to Visit Pittsburgh, her two concerts generated approximately $46 million for the city and surrounding areas.
Could something similar be expected with an NFL Draft?
In Kansas City, the site of the 2023 NFL Draft, the city saw an economic impact of approximately $160 million according to University of Michigan Professor Stefan Szymanski. This past year, there are estimates from city officials of up to $175 million to $200 million in business for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit which saw over a quarter million people in attendance.
Back in February, the Steelers made their official bid to host either the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft. Now, they have to wait until after the NFL owners meet in May to get their answer.
The Green Bay Packers have already secured the spot for the 2025 NFL Draft.