Yinzers, relax: The draft will be fine
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The NFL draft is just two weeks away. Photo: Alexis Johnson/Axios
Don't let the naysayers ruin NFL draft week, local leaders tell Axios.
Why it matters: The massive sporting event — estimated to attract 500,000+ tourists and locals over three days — is dividing Pittsburghers and many are wary of disruptions to their daily routines.
Context: Some locals are opting out of draft week, proudly vowing to skip town or hunker down from April 23–25, when the North Shore and Downtown host the event.
- They fear that gridlock, road closures and packed streets will snarl the region's roads. "That's just too tight," one resident told KDKA Monday.
- "Why would anyone want to attend the NFL Draft? What's the appeal? It sounds like a logistical nightmare. … What's the payoff? I'm very confused by this," Pens reporter Josh Yohe wrote on X.
What they're saying: Allegheny County Councilwoman at-large Bethany Hallam hears the complaints, but wants yinzers to break out of their doom loop to enjoy all the free and fun things the draft has to offer.
- "This is the coolest free thing you are going to see in your lifetime here in Pittsburgh," she said.
Zoom in: Hallam is a diehard sports fan, but is most looking forward to the free concert (Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels) inside the draft and the paid shows (Nelly, 2 Chainz and DJ Steve Aoki) just outside at PNC Plaza.
- She also wants to eat the giant Pop-Tart mascot coming to Nova Place.
- You can also meet players, enjoy local vendors, take selfies with Super Bowl trophies and kick field goals on the Acrisure Stadium turf.
Yes, but: Hallam disagrees with Pittsburgh Public Schools' decision to hold remote days for April 23–24 since it's a hardship on parents.
Friction point: While traffic appears to be the chief concern of skeptics, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato sought to ease anxieties.
- She said major arteries coming into Downtown will see congestion and suggests taking light rail and special draft buses for free.
- She expects traffic to be worse late at night when crowds are all leaving in unison, but doesn't expect congestion to spill very far.
- "If you live in the suburbs and you're trying to get to the grocery store, it'll probably be fine."
Flashback: Pittsburghers had similar fears before Taylor Swift's June 2023 "Eras Tour," when 400,000 fans flooded the North Shore over two days and generated $46 million in spending for the area.
- The Three Rivers Regatta brought a record 850,000 people to Point State Park and the North Shore over three days in 2017.
- No major disruptions were documented from those events.
The bottom line: Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor acknowledged travel to the draft will take some extra time, but said the experience will be worth it.
- "There are so many activities that we should be celebrating in our city and you are part of it. This is for us.
- "I want you to sell Pittsburgh and tell the Pittsburgh story. That is why it is so important to have Pittsburghers enjoy it."
We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] with your draft takes!