The festival will include autograph sessions with current and former players and photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
WASHINGTON — The National Football League announced Wednesday that fans can now register for free entry to attend the 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh, which is taking place April 23 through 25.
The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located just outside Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Events will take place across the city’s North Shore and at Point State Park, creating a multi-site event.
The league’s interactive fan festival, the NFL Draft Experience, will be split between the North Shore, including inside Acrisure Stadium, and Point State Park. The free event is scheduled for noon to 10 p.m. on April 23 and 24 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 25.
Two iconic Pittsburgh mainstays will connect the draft campus. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and serve as a pedestrian-only fan corridor linking the North Shore and downtown, while riverboats will provide transportation between draft locations, offering fans a way to experience the event while highlighting the city’s waterways.
“The NFL Draft is a massive annual celebration of football and community, and Pittsburgh provides a spectacular stage to welcome residents and fans from all over the world,” said Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president of club business, international and league events. “By connecting iconic locations in the heart of the city, we’re creating an accessible, free experience that reflects Pittsburgh’s creativity, imagination and grit, and invites all fans to be there live as the next generation of the NFL takes the stage.”
According to the NFL, the festival will include interactive football drills, youth clinics, autograph sessions with current and former players, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl rings, merchandise sales and family-focused activities. Acrisure Stadium will also be open during the weekend for fans to watch draft coverage and participate in on-field events.
Here’s the full list of events:
Interactive Exhibits & Sponsor Activations: Engage with special activations, including the opportunity to kick a field goal, run the 40-yard dash, participate in catching skills, earn free prizes and view NFL hall of fame exhibits, creating hands-on football experiences for fans of all ages.Player Meet & Greet Opportunities: Get autographs and interact with current NFL stars and Legends. The full schedule of player appearances will be available exclusively on the NFL OnePass app in the coming weeks.Photo Ops & Memorabilia: Capture memorable moments with the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy, and all 59 Super Bowl Rings.Youth & Family Zones: Enjoy activities at the Play 60 Zone and take part in NFL FLAG drills, skills challenges, and football clinics tailored for young fans.Local Food & Culture Spotlight: Food and beverage vendors will showcase local fare, with concessions representing various cuisines and iconic restaurants in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.Acrisure Stadium Access & On-Field Activations: During draft weekend, Acrisure Stadium will be open to fans looking to view the NFL Draft and experience exclusive activations inside the stadium and on the field itself.Steelers Country: Serves as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official fan destination during the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park, celebrating the unique traditions of Steelers Nation and creating a centralized space for fans to gather, engage, and experience draft weekend together.
The draft will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is set for Thursday, April 23, followed by rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, April 24, and rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday, April 25. Pittsburgh is the latest city to host the league’s annual NFL Draft.
The 2027 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C.