Weeks after its final countdown on the North Shore, the 2026 NFL draft countdown clock has been removed. According to VisitPittsburgh, negotiations are underway to determine where the clock’s permanent home will be. Pittsburghers didn’t know what to make of the draft clock when it was unveiled 12 months ago. “It was showcasing and preparing us for something big,” said Ayden Miller, a Point Park University student. “It was history in the making.”The 18-foot clock included 212 notches representing Western Pa.’s football programs and the city’s 90 neighborhoods. It was also the first piece of a memorable weekend. “When I first saw it, I thought, wow, this is really happening,” South Hills resident Lou Guarino said. “The thought of the draft coming to Pittsburgh, to me, wasn’t a reality until I actually saw that clock and thought this is going to be something special.”More than 800,000 people ended up seeing the clock during the draft in late April. “That draft clock was really the signifier of something that was bigger than the city,” Guarino said. “It was about bringing people together, the community, and putting us on the map and showing the world what we’re about.”After the clock hit zero on Tuesday, it was taken away. “It’s different,” Miller said. “It felt like a whole community thing. With that missing, it feels empty, almost. It feels like Pittsburgh is just back to normal, and the draft was just an event. I think they should’ve kept it up.”VisitPittsburgh provided the following statement about the clock’s future:”The 2026 NFL Draft countdown clock is being removed and placed into storage as planning continues for its permanent installation.”The clock has served as a visible symbol of Pittsburgh’s excitement and momentum leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, helping build anticipation across the region and among visitors alike.””I am sad to see it down,” Guarino said. “I think it would be cool if that clock could end up somewhere it could be appreciated over time.” With negotiations ongoing for where the clock will stand permanently, fans told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that they’ll go see it again.”I think it would be a nice way to look back on what happened,” Miller said. “It’s unique to this area. I hope Pittsburgh does something like this again. I think it did benefit the community. It was something for everyone to come together and do.””We’re a football town through and through,” Guarino said. “I think having that clock and what it signifies means a lot to this town. I hope it ends up somewhere where travelers coming in can get a better perspective of what Pittsburgh’s all about.”The draft clock was on the north shore for 372 days. Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel
PITTSBURGH —
Weeks after its final countdown on the North Shore, the 2026 NFL draft countdown clock has been removed.
According to VisitPittsburgh, negotiations are underway to determine where the clock’s permanent home will be.
Pittsburghers didn’t know what to make of the draft clock when it was unveiled 12 months ago.
“It was showcasing and preparing us for something big,” said Ayden Miller, a Point Park University student. “It was history in the making.”
The 18-foot clock included 212 notches representing Western Pa.’s football programs and the city’s 90 neighborhoods. It was also the first piece of a memorable weekend.
“When I first saw it, I thought, wow, this is really happening,” South Hills resident Lou Guarino said. “The thought of the draft coming to Pittsburgh, to me, wasn’t a reality until I actually saw that clock and thought this is going to be something special.”
More than 800,000 people ended up seeing the clock during the draft in late April.
“That draft clock was really the signifier of something that was bigger than the city,” Guarino said. “It was about bringing people together, the community, and putting us on the map and showing the world what we’re about.”
After the clock hit zero on Tuesday, it was taken away.
“It’s different,” Miller said. “It felt like a whole community thing. With that missing, it feels empty, almost. It feels like Pittsburgh is just back to normal, and the draft was just an event. I think they should’ve kept it up.”
VisitPittsburgh provided the following statement about the clock’s future:
“The 2026 NFL Draft countdown clock is being removed and placed into storage as planning continues for its permanent installation.
“The clock has served as a visible symbol of Pittsburgh’s excitement and momentum leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, helping build anticipation across the region and among visitors alike.”
“I am sad to see it down,” Guarino said. “I think it would be cool if that clock could end up somewhere it could be appreciated over time.”
With negotiations ongoing for where the clock will stand permanently, fans told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that they’ll go see it again.
“I think it would be a nice way to look back on what happened,” Miller said. “It’s unique to this area. I hope Pittsburgh does something like this again. I think it did benefit the community. It was something for everyone to come together and do.”
“We’re a football town through and through,” Guarino said. “I think having that clock and what it signifies means a lot to this town. I hope it ends up somewhere where travelers coming in can get a better perspective of what Pittsburgh’s all about.”
The draft clock was on the north shore for 372 days.
Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel