The Steelers are getting set to host the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, and Dan Rooney discussed the city’s plans for the event. The team has repeatedly referred to it as the biggest event in the city’s history, even the state’s. Setting out to best the draft hosted by other NFL cities, the Steelers have a tall task ahead of them. But they also have a big canvas with which to work.
“North Shore of Pittsburgh, right outside of our stadium, the massive stage and amphitheater will take place right there with a sea of football fans spreading out across our parking lots and over the Point State Park”, Rooney told the NFL Network about the draft plans. “Our bridges, our rivers will be activated. Just a beautiful landscape to celebrate football”.
Dan Rooney, whom we also refer to as Daniel Martin Rooney, is the eldest son of team owner Art Rooney II. The presumptive heir apparent to the Steelers franchise, Rooney’s current duties include setting up the draft in Pittsburgh. He is also the point man on the team’s international presence, including its game in Ireland last year.
Rooney described Pittsburgh’s draft event as a “football festival” that will span a great area of the city. “On the field, surrounding our stadium, on over to Point State Park”, he said. He talked about numerous Hall of Famers from the Steelers and from the region who will be at the event. “We’re just really excited to show that off”, he said.
The Steelers play at the confluence of three rivers, surrounded by, as Rooney put it, “a beautiful city with a natural landscape that really catches the eye”, and Pittsburgh wants to emphasize that while hosting the 2026 NFL Draft.
Of course, what Steelers fans want to see during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is for the team to build its future. I think most understand at this point that the Steelers drafting their future franchise quarterback is unlikely. While that was an early hope leading up to this, the projected class just doesn’t favor it. Beyond Fernando Mendoza, there might not be a quarterback worth drafting in the first round.
The Steelers are embarking on a new chapter after the sudden resignation of former HC Mike Tomlin. They hired Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy, who has ample coaching experience, to helm the team leading into the city’s first draft as host.
Of course, it doesn’t really matter who hosts the draft, as it doesn’t change what happens during the draft. The Steelers will still draft the same players whether it takes place in Pittsburgh or Portland. But it’s, presumably, good for the local economy, and comes with some prestige. Steelers fans local to the area may want to attend—personally, I’d rather sit out.