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A man kicking a field goal and missing wide left at Acrisure Stadium.

Yinz can kick field goals at the draft, too, and hopefully not miss like Ryan. GIF: Courtesy of Oliver Morrison

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.

A large indoor stage for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, featuring a blue curved screen displaying "NFL DRAFT" and "PITTSBURGH"; colorful lights, overhead rigging, and rows of empty chairs in front.

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.

A panning shot on the Allegheny River of the Point State Park fountain from a boat.

The Clipper ride between draft campus sections on the North Shore and Point State Park run on Friday and Saturday. GIF: Ryan Deto/Axios

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.

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.

uide for riding to the draft on two wheels

What to know before the NFL Draft

Here's how to get there, what to do and when events start this weekend.

The NFL Draft stage in Pittsburgh with blue lighting and yellow lettering. 

<figure><img alt="A man kicking a field goal and missing wide left at Acrisure Stadium." height="450" id="3e0c456c-7c6c-4dec-b360-ab8314e3f426" src="https://images.axios.com/abIH0ig_IykEo6l-aLeGbB91jhU=/2026/04/22/1776890808378.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Yinz can kick field goals at the draft, too, and hopefully not miss like Ryan. GIF: Courtesy of Oliver Morrison</figcaption></figure>The draft is here and we got a sneak peek.Why it matters: Local leaders say this is probably the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest free event Pittsburgh has ever had" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" data-vars-content-id="1b5e1e76-8004-4ee3-b8dc-95a7ca3b7c67" data-vars-headline="What to know before the NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" target="_self">biggest free event Pittsburgh has ever had</a>, so take advantage but be prepared.

News

Sports

Things to Do

Guides

The Intrigue: Yinzer-themed stuff is everywhere on the NFL draft campus, including the Aramark concessions.

Dig in: Try a Steel City Dog ($10.75) complete with vinegar slaw and potato sticks to imitate the famous french-fry-stuffed Primanti's sandwich.

The Kielbasa Cheesesteak ($15) combines kielbasa, sauerkraut, sliced provolone and mustard.

The Strip District Pepperoni Roll ($13.25) is served with a side of marinara.

Close-up of a yellow cocktail with an orange wedge on the rim, in a glass labeled "NFL Draft 2026". A tall silver shaker stands behind, on a blue-striped napkin, against a green blurred background.

The Immaculate Refreshment cocktail should be perfect on a warm day. Photo: Courtesy of Aramark

Bottoms up: An Immaculate Refreshment cocktail ($26.50) — a nod to Franco Harris' famous catch — is made of orange Crush soda, Absolut Mandrin vodka and triple sec, and topped with a splash of Starry lemon-lime soda.

Go deeper: Check out our list of best restaurants near the draft campus. 

NFL draft has Pittsburgh-inspired snacks

Fans can try kielbasa, pepperoni rolls and themed cocktails at the draft.

A close-up shows a sausage-filled sandwich on a gold plate, with a tiny football on a toothpick. A green football helmet with a DRAFT badge rests on artificial turf near a gray fence.

The Kielbasa Cheesesteak comes fully loaded. Photo: Courtesy of Aramark

Get your kielbasa at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" data-vars-content-id="26ac80b2-7fc6-4b9b-a055-47860ebe8079" data-vars-headline="NFL draft has Pittsburgh-inspired snacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" target="_self">NFL draft</a>.The Intrigue: Yinzer-themed stuff is everywhere on the NFL draft campus, including the Aramark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concessions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/31/pnc-park-2026-food-review-pirates" data-vars-content-id="26ac80b2-7fc6-4b9b-a055-47860ebe8079" data-vars-headline="NFL draft has Pittsburgh-inspired snacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/31/pnc-park-2026-food-review-pirates" target="_self">concessions</a>.

Food and Drink

The NFL draft will crown a mascot champion. 

The intrigue: The "Great Pennsylvania Mascot Race" will pit Steely McBeam, Swoop the Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Roc the Pitt Panther and the Penn State Nittany Lion in a 40-yard dash for eternal glory. 

Zoom in: Punxsutawney Phil, the real-life groundhog, will be on hand to predict a winner before the race, according to a press release.

Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross performers will start the race. 

The Pittsburgh Steeline drum line will perform. 

Between the lines: It's all part of Visit PA's marketing push to hype up the state's massive sports year.

"This is our chance to introduce the Steel City to a global audience and turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans," said Pennsylvania tourism secretary Anne Ryan.

If you go: Point State Park in the draft campus.

Register with the NFL One Pass app beforehand to gain free entry into the draft.

Pa.'s mascots will race at NFL draft

Steely McBeam and others face off in a 40-yard dash at the NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers mascot Steely McBeam next to Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop the eagle, next to University of Pittsburgh mascot Roc the Panther next to Penn State University mascot Nittany Lion

The line-up is set: Steely McBeam, Swoop the eagle, Roc the Panther, and Nittany Lion. Photos by: Perry Knotts/Getty Images, Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Mitchell Layton/Getty Images.

The NFL draft will crown a mascot champion. The intrigue: The &quot;Great Pennsylvania Mascot Race&quot; will pit Steely McBeam, Swoop the Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Roc the Pitt Panther and the Penn State Nittany Lion in a 40-yard dash for eternal glory.

Pennsylvania Democrats want to make affordability a central issue of their campaign this fall.

Why it matters: State Democrats are hoping to capitalize on President Trump's poor polling figures on the economy to flip the state Senate for the first time in 33 years, but the Republicans have a plan to hold their ground.

Context: Democrats have not had a trifecta in the state government since 1993 and are hoping to flip at least two Senate seats, retain the state House, and retain the governorship to reclaim total control.

Driving the news: State Senate Democrats unveiled their Affordability Action Plan at a press conference Tuesday in Harrisburg.

The plan builds on Lt. Gov. Austin Davis' initiatives and adds some legislation to address food and health care costs.

Raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029.

Expand the state's free school breakfast program to include free lunch.

Expand the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit.

Support Gov. Josh Shapiro's energy and housing action plans.

What they're saying: "Our message today is clear: Senate Democrats are ready to enact commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvania's families," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) in a statement.

Between the lines: Food prices in February were up 3% compared with the same time last year, per the Consumer Price Index, Axios' Emily Peck reported.

"Universal School Meals not only helps students be prepared to learn — it also lowers grocery prices for everyone. When students eat breakfast and lunch at school — families save," said state Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-West View), who is sponsoring a bill to add free school lunch.

The other side: State Republicans are looking to address affordability through a series of tax holidays, the caucus announced in March. They want to:

Lower the state personal income tax rate from 3.07% to 2.99% for six months.

Suspend taxes on electricity and telecommunications for six months.

The bottom line: The economy, health care and inflation are at the top of Pennsylvania voters' minds, according to a recent PennLive poll.

73% told the pollsters the cost of goods they regularly purchase has increased in the last year.

Pa. Senate Dems push affordability plan

Democrats pitch plans on wages, food and taxes as voters worry about costs.

Illustration of a blue donkey running at and hitting a giant stack of hundred dollar bills

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios; Stock: Getty Images

Pennsylvania Democrats want to make affordability a central issue of their campaign this fall.Why it matters: State Democrats are hoping to capitalize on President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poor polling figures on the economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/trump-economy-inflation-affordability" data-vars-content-id="9ef1eb10-9b55-4114-8397-666570f2d90d" data-vars-headline="Pa. Senate Dems push affordability plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/trump-economy-inflation-affordability" target="_self">poor polling figures on the economy</a> to flip the state Senate for the first time in 33 years, but the Republicans have a plan to hold their ground.

Politics

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 pittsburgh@axios.com with your draft takes!

Yinzers, relax: The draft will be fine

Officials are pushing back on fears of chaos during Pittsburgh's NFL draft week.

Exterior view of Acrisure Stadium on a clear day: blue sky, American flag atop the building, large stadium sign, green turf with white yard lines, and a yellow end zone with black lettering; trees to the left.

The NFL draft is just two weeks away. Photo: Alexis Johnson/Axios

Don&#x27;t let the naysayers ruin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/20/nfl-draft-week-events-things-to-do-guide-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="a5d9672e-86d4-4a4e-a61d-ab7ff82a7a01" data-vars-headline="Yinzers, relax: The draft will be fine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/20/nfl-draft-week-events-things-to-do-guide-pittsburgh" target="_self">NFL draft week</a>, 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.

Ryan Deto

Featured stories

NFL draft has Pittsburgh-inspired snacks

What to know before the NFL Draft

Pa. Senate Dems push affordability plan

Pa.'s mascots will race at NFL draft

Yinzers, relax: The draft will be fine