After a lengthy hiatus since 1948, Pittsburgh is once again gearing up to host a major NFL event. The NFL announced on Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the 2026 NFL Draft. The news marks a significant return of the draft to the city after nearly eight decades, spotlighting Pittsburgh’s enduring passion for football.
“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,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed in a statement. This upcoming draft not only promises to boost Pittsburgh’s economy but also aims to bring together football fans from various regions, celebrating the sport on a grand scale.
The historical context adds to the excitement, as Pittsburgh last welcomed the NFL draft in 1948 at the Fort Pitt Hotel, a much smaller affair without the massive crowds expected in 2026. Since then, the event has evolved into a massive spectacle, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees.
In February, the Steelers officially submitted their bid to host the draft, with options for either 2026 or 2027. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro supported the 2026 timeline, aligning it with the state’s celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. “It’d probably be the biggest visitor event in the history of the city. And so it’s very exciting,” said Steelers president and owner Art Rooney II. He highlighted Pittsburgh’s strategic location, which not only draws the local Steelers fanbase but also attracts NFL fans from cities within a 500-mile radius.
Pittsburgh’s momentous draft event will coincide with several other significant events across the state in 2026, including the MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and the FIFA World Cup, all set to take place in Philadelphia and nearby locations.
The selection of Pittsburgh for the 2026 draft highlights the city’s capacity to host large-scale international events, a testament to its growth and development over the years. This year, the draft held by the Detroit Lions set a new attendance record with over 775,000 fans participating throughout the weekend. The NFL hopes to replicate this success in Pittsburgh and even at the forthcoming 2025 draft, scheduled to be held at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field and Titletown district.
As Pittsburgh prepares for this major event, the excitement and economic prospects it brings are set to make a significant impact, spotlighting the city on the global stage as a premier destination for major sporting events.