With one week to go, NFL officials say they are putting the finishing touches on preparations for the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh.The draft experience will span from the North Shore to Point State Park, including a massive stage being constructed in front of Acrisure Stadium.”We’re looking at about four million square feet of activation space. To put that in perspective, you’re at about 68 football fields,” Steve Farago, the NFL’s director of event operations, said Thursday.NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draftThe draft experience will span from the North Shore to Point State Park, including interactive activities and a massive stage being constructed in front of Acrisure Stadium. “We have over a mile of truss. If you laid it all out flat, linear, we’re just over a mile,” Farago said. “We have over 1,300 LED panels that you see some going up and being tested currently right now, which is just going to be a great backdrop for this event.”Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel Farago said the NFL draft experience is designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s unique character, including the city’s iconic gold bridges, which will be emulated along the stage. He emphasized that Pittsburgh residents played a significant role in shaping the event. “See your city on the global stage here. It’s football-centric, but it’s also everything else that celebrates your own city — music, food, art — so you can really see your city come to life through the NFL draft,” Farago said. The draft begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage. Crews are expected to complete the stage and setup by Tuesday, with rehearsals beginning Wednesday on the North Shore.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

With one week to go, NFL officials say they are putting the finishing touches on preparations for the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh.

The draft experience will span from the North Shore to Point State Park, including a massive stage being constructed in front of Acrisure Stadium.

“We’re looking at about four million square feet of activation space. To put that in perspective, you’re at about 68 football fields,” Steve Farago, the NFL’s director of event operations, said Thursday.

NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draft

The draft experience will span from the North Shore to Point State Park, including interactive activities and a massive stage being constructed in front of Acrisure Stadium.

“We have over a mile of truss. If you laid it all out flat, linear, we’re just over a mile,” Farago said. “We have over 1,300 LED panels that you see some going up and being tested currently right now, which is just going to be a great backdrop for this event.”

Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel

Farago said the NFL draft experience is designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s unique character, including the city’s iconic gold bridges, which will be emulated along the stage. He emphasized that Pittsburgh residents played a significant role in shaping the event.

“See your city on the global stage here. It’s football-centric, but it’s also everything else that celebrates your own city — music, food, art — so you can really see your city come to life through the NFL draft,” Farago said.

The draft begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage. Crews are expected to complete the stage and setup by Tuesday, with rehearsals beginning Wednesday on the North Shore.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.