What to know before the NFL Draft
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The draft is here and we got a sneak peek.
Why it matters: Local leaders say this is probably the biggest free event Pittsburgh has ever had, so take advantage but be prepared.
Driving the news: We attended a media preview on Wednesday and got access to the stage and the activities inside Acrisure Stadium, rode the Clipper and visited the fun at Point State Park.
- The draft is free; just register through the NFL One Pass app.
Zoom in: Gates open at noon on Thursday and Friday and 9am on Saturday.
- The actual draft — when teams pick players — doesn't start until 8pm on Thursday, 7pm on Friday and noon on Saturday.
Getting there: Light-rail and Football Flyer buses are free and will get you to the draft from the suburbs.
- For light rail, exit at Gateway for Point State Park and North Side for the draft stage and Acrisure.
- The Football Flyer stops at Market Square; Stanwix and Penn Avenue; and Federal Street and West General Robinson, outside PNC Park.
- Driving is discouraged, but the First Avenue garage and Second Avenue lot near the Allegheny County Jail are a better deal and close to the First Avenue T station, which will take you to the draft.
- Bike Pittsburgh has a guide for riding to the draft on two wheels.
Wi-Fi is free (network #DraftWifi) and works on the North Shore but not at Point State Park.
Gateway Clipper rides run all through the draft from Station Square to the North Shore.
- The special free rides from outside Acrisure to Point State Park run only on Friday and Saturday. That ride takes about eight minutes from loading to unloading.
You'll have to walk between the North Shore and Point State Park on Thursday. It's a bit over a mile on Roberto Clemente Bridge, which will be closed to traffic.
Non-football fun: Everyone can kick field goals and youth ages 6-14 can participate in football clinics on the field at Acrisure all three days of the draft — just not from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, when a Topps event takes over the field.
- Fans enter Acrisure on the lower bowl and then walk down to the field.
- Participants must sign waivers on the NFL One Pass app.
Point State Park will host a red carpet event with draft prospects at 5pm on Thursday, the fountain in full glory as their backdrop.
- The point is also hosting the Steelers' six Super Bowl trophies, a Steelers Country bar and local vendors such as Roaming Bean coffee, Street Fries and Secretos de Mis Abuelos Puerto Rican food.
Don't miss the mascot race at the 40-yard dash experience at the Point State Park main lawn, close to the Wyndham.
- Fans can also run the 40-yard dash.
The bottom line: The draft campus is just part of festivities. Events are happening outside the campus too, including the opening of our newest park and a Pop-Tart mascot sacrifice.