Pittsburgh, you’re on the clock: How the city can make the NFL Draft its own (2025)

Welcome to the Steel City — home of the six-time Super Bowl Champion Steelers, five-time Stanley Cup Champion Penguins and the legendary Roberto Clemente. The city where black and gold is embedded in our DNA. And whether you like your fries on the side or stacked on your sandwich, this city has it all.

As we’ve all heard by now, Pittsburgh will be the home of the next NFL Draft happening April 2026. Renovations and upgrades across the city have already begun.

Let’s paint the picture – starting on the verge of Point State Park to the North Shore Riverfront and landing in front of Acrisure Stadium – the draft stage will be one for fans and future rookies to remember.

Three years ago, I went to the NFL Draft in Las Vegas. The atmosphere was unbelievable — the event took up the entire Las Vegas Strip. I stayed in a hotel right across the street from the red carpet and walked to the NFL Fan Experience venue every day. The Fan Experience is the free event the draft brings every year to each city.

At the Fan Experience, I was fully immersed in all things football. It had everything from autograph signings from the Las Vegas Raiders and 7v7 flag football with NFL quarterbacks. There was a 40-yard dash, vertical jump and an area to kick a field goal.

In 2022, the NFL turned Las Vegas into a football dream for fans. Bringing that to a city like Pittsburgh will be an unforgettable experience for anyone with even a small interest in the sport.

I set out to ask die-hard Steelers fans: “What would make this experience special for you?”

Will it be the opportunity to see a Vince Lombardi Trophy in person? Or would it be the chance to see the Pittsburgh Steelers make their first round draft pick at Acrisure Stadium among a sea of Terrible Towels?

Here’s what they had to say:

“‘The bridge to the future'” theme. Pittsburgh is known for their bridges. The NFL Draft presents the opportunity for the next generation to have their lifelong dreams realized. What better place to take that journey than in the city of bridges? Embrace the uniqueness of that and the amount of legendary local athletes that have gone on to make their name in the NFL announcing picks for the teams they made their name with. For example, Aaron Donald announcing the Rams second round pick, [Darrelle] Revis the Jets, Ty Law the Patriots, etc.”

– Zachary Smith, host of “Around the 412” podcast

“I’m not sure it’s talked about enough how many celebrities come from Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. I’d incorporate that and make the event just that … AN EVENT. Musicians, actors, it doesn’t matter, get the most and biggest names you can get.”

– Alan Saunders, host of “Around the 412” podcast

“I’d say you have to embrace the history of the Steelers and city. That’s with six Lombardis and a blue collar work ethic, I’d like to see that edge brought to the stage. The cookie table is a Pittsburgh staple food wise. I think that needs to be there. On top of that, there’s so many other cultures you can bring in with food too since Pittsburgh is so diverse. But pierogis and an Italian focus seem right. You can even make a themed dive bar. I’d put an emphasis on jazz music given the historical significance. You can certainly fit that into the draft experience. That’s just some ideas, but the Steelers and Pittsburgh have a ton of history to draw from.”

– Nick Farabaugh, Steelers beat reporter for PennLive

“I think one of the things that would most make the draft experience special would be to really tie in the football history here in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. The number of Hall of Famers and legends of the game who were born and raised in this area is truly astounding. If there’s a way they could work with the local communities that raised those Hall of Famers, I think that would add the perfect touch to what’s set to be a phenomenal draft in this city.”

– Jenna Harner, WPXI Channel 11 reporter

“As far as themes, Pittsburgh has been one of the crown jewels of the NFL for decades with several memorable moments. Look for the NFL to honor the Immaculate Reception, Pittsburgh’s blue collar reputation, the franchise’s six Super Bowls and the Steelers’ strong history of having the most drafted players to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame since the 1970 merger.”

– Chris Carter, host of “Locked on Steelers” podcast and sports journalist

The author at the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco was on stage during the 2022 Draft to announce the picks for the Chicago Bears. Which Pittsburgh celebrities might announce the Steelers’ picks in 2026? Photos courtesy of Donni Rae Blackwell.

With endless possibilities and Pittsburgh’s ever-growing football culture, the NFL has some thinking to do and so do we.

As for me running the 40-yard dash? Let’s just say … the verdict’s still out. Follow VisitPittsburgh for updates about the NFL Draft as the April 2026 date nears.

We want to hear from you. What theme, food, event or local legend do you want to see at next year’s draft? Let us know — the future of the fan experience starts with you.