The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching. Will the city be prepared?

Multiple projects are underway in preparation
A paved walkway next to the Allegheny River near downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
A paved walkway next to the Allegheny River near downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Photo credit Getty Images

The countdown clock on the North Shore shows 48 days to go until the 2026 NFL Draft.

Will the city be prepared?

Some of the most noticeable projects underway are Market Square, Arts Landing and the Allegheny Overlook.

VisitPITTSBURGH President and CEO Jerad Bachar says they've kept in touch with Riverlife, the Cultural Trust and Downtown Partnership and all three are on track:

"They may not be completely 100% done, there'll be some final touches that each one of those organizations will want to do to those sites after the fact, but they'll certainly be ready and open for the draft," he said.

When it comes to hospitality, Bacher says hotels in the city core will be filling up quickly as short term bookings spike, and he expects short term rentals will be in high demand.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images