PITTSBURGH — For the last six months, business owners on the North Shore have been meeting with VisitPittsburgh, city officials, and the NFL in anticipation of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
“But really, it only started to become crystal clear in the last number of weeks,” said Mike Sukitch, owner of Mike’s Beer Bar & North Shore Tavern.
They’ve seen large crowds before, of course. Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney concerts have taken place at Acrisure Stadium for years. But this particular event presents a unique set of challenges.
“…Garbage pickup, when are the windows, food deliveries, beer deliveries?” Sukitch said.
When it comes to staffing, Sukitch said it’s all hands on deck, but finding his employees a place to park when spots are at a premium is a tall order.
“We have a number of parking passes in the parking garage, and what we are going to encourage – and how we are going to structure our staffing – is carpooling,” Sukitch said. “I’m more afraid – not of call-offs – but just the challenges people will have trying to get here and get here on time.”
A few blocks away, at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Bar, managers plan to staff the same as they would for any big event.
“We’re used to these types of days. We’re high-volume places, so we’re built for this,” said Chad Conner, director of operations for Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Bar.
While some private spaces within the restaurant have been rented out, it will be open to customers and is expected to reach capacity on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
“Get that many people in one area, it’s definitely going to be steady flow all day,” Conner said.
Conner said Jason Aldean’s will be offering its full menu all Draft week.
Mike’s Beer Bar will limit its options, but it will be open for breakfast starting at 9 a.m. on Draft days.
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