Pittsburgh city officials want people from the area to come to the NFL Draft this week and not just enjoy the event, but act as ambassadors for visitors.However, a lot of people said they’re staying away.“Absolutely not,” said Kara Henry, who lives in the South Hills. “I just think there’s going to be way too many people.”“I’m staying away,” said Chatham Gongola, of Zelienople. “I’m avoiding the crowds, and I’m avoiding the traffic.”“I’m not going,” said Mark Chrissman, of New Bethlehem. “We’re just checking everything out since I can’t come down on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.”Many Pittsburghers have their reasons for not wanting to see the 2026 draft with their own eyes.“All of the road closures and detours are going to be tough to navigate,” Gongola said. “All of these roads closed, I’m not sure how you’re supposed to get off the highway from the north.”“I think the parking is outrageous,” Chrissman said. “Why should anyone have to pay $200 to $300 to park for one night?”NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draftCity officials are saying the size of the event shouldn’t scare Pittsburghers from enjoying an event that was brought to the city with them in mind. “It’s going to be busy. There’s no doubt about that. There’s going to be people coming into the downtown area every single day,” VisitPittsburgh President and CEO Jerad Bachar said. “But long as people plan ahead, there are still a lot of ways to get into downtown. There’s plenty of places to park. There’s going to be a lot of opportunities for people to get into the city easily.”Bachar added that the city has planned for this hectic week for a long time. He trusts the plan that’s in place. “There’s a lot of free transportation options through PRT with our park-and-rides as well as the light rail,” Bachar said.Some of those who are skeptical hopes it all works out. “If it sounds like things are going well, the process and plan is working, then I’d certainly like to come down and see what’s going on,” Gongola said. “I’m interested in seeing how the NFL is going to present Pittsburgh. Hopefully, all of the people have a good time and enjoy themselves here.” “Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s worth coming down to see the biggest, most iconic event the city’s ever hosted,” Bachar said. “We are the best ambassadors for our city. Our hospitality in Pittsburgh is what we are known for.”For all of the transportation maps and road closures, click here. It’s also on the NFL OnePass app, which you need to attend the draft. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

Pittsburgh city officials want people from the area to come to the NFL Draft this week and not just enjoy the event, but act as ambassadors for visitors.

However, a lot of people said they’re staying away.

“Absolutely not,” said Kara Henry, who lives in the South Hills. “I just think there’s going to be way too many people.”

“I’m staying away,” said Chatham Gongola, of Zelienople. “I’m avoiding the crowds, and I’m avoiding the traffic.”

“I’m not going,” said Mark Chrissman, of New Bethlehem. “We’re just checking everything out since I can’t come down on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.”

Many Pittsburghers have their reasons for not wanting to see the 2026 draft with their own eyes.

“All of the road closures and detours are going to be tough to navigate,” Gongola said. “All of these roads closed, I’m not sure how you’re supposed to get off the highway from the north.”

“I think the parking is outrageous,” Chrissman said. “Why should anyone have to pay $200 to $300 to park for one night?”

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

City officials are saying the size of the event shouldn’t scare Pittsburghers from enjoying an event that was brought to the city with them in mind.

“It’s going to be busy. There’s no doubt about that. There’s going to be people coming into the downtown area every single day,” VisitPittsburgh President and CEO Jerad Bachar said. “But long as people plan ahead, there are still a lot of ways to get into downtown. There’s plenty of places to park. There’s going to be a lot of opportunities for people to get into the city easily.”

Bachar added that the city has planned for this hectic week for a long time. He trusts the plan that’s in place.

“There’s a lot of free transportation options through PRT with our park-and-rides as well as the light rail,” Bachar said.

Some of those who are skeptical hopes it all works out.

“If it sounds like things are going well, the process and plan is working, then I’d certainly like to come down and see what’s going on,” Gongola said. “I’m interested in seeing how the NFL is going to present Pittsburgh. Hopefully, all of the people have a good time and enjoy themselves here.”

“Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s worth coming down to see the biggest, most iconic event the city’s ever hosted,” Bachar said. “We are the best ambassadors for our city. Our hospitality in Pittsburgh is what we are known for.”

For all of the transportation maps and road closures, click here.

It’s also on the NFL OnePass app, which you need to attend the draft.

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