The 2026 NFL Draft will take over parts of Downtown Pittsburgh and the North Shore from April 23-25. Whether you’re coming in from out of town or a local looking to join the fun, there are lots of logistical concerns to consider.
Here’s your guide for what you need to know to have a safe, smooth and memorable time at NFL Draft events.
Where to get started
First and foremost, figure out what you’re going to attend and register for free entry. Download the NFL OnePass app or visit NFL.com. Registration will get you access to the draft campus. Registering through the app will generate a unique QR code that can be scanned for entry, but if you don’t have a smartphone, on-site registration will be available.
The OnePass app will also give you all the information you need to navigate the schedule of events and the physical space around the draft campus. From public transportation to road closures to what you can and can’t bring with you, it’s a great resource for all the information you’ll need.
For those who want an elevated draft experience, some VIP tickets and packages are still available through the app or at NFL.com.
The draft campus
Events for the NFL Draft will be spread out on both shores of the Allegheny River, stationed at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh and on the North Shore. They are connected by the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. Patrons can also take Gateway Clipper Fleet boats across the river.
Getting around
The biggest question on everyone’s mind, whether you’re local or traveling, is how to get to the draft space. Don’t be daunted!
Pittsburgh Regional Transit will be stepping up its game with extra bus routes, light rail and other options. That includes a new “Football Flyer” that will drop off at Point State Park Downtown and near PNC Park on the North Shore. It will run from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. from April 23-25, coming every 15 minutes on Thursday and Friday and every 30 minutes on Saturday.
Pickup locations will be:
• 99N (North): Starts at the McCandless Park and Ride, travels to the Ross Park and Ride, and uses the HOV lanes on I-279 for a quick trip into the city.
• 99E (East): Starts at Monroeville Mall and serves every station along the East Busway.
• 99S (South): Starts at the Large Park and Ride and serves every station along the South Busway.
• 99W (West): Starts at the University Boulevard Park and Ride and serves every stop along the West Busway, including connections to the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines.
There will also be expanded schedules for buses and light rail (known locally as “The T”) on all three draft days, including expanded airport transit coverage through the 28X airport flyer.
Thanks to local chain Sheetz, all fares on the Monongahela Incline and The T on the Red, Blue and Silver lines will be free for the three days of the draft. According to Visit Pittsburgh, there are a variety of places that you can park to ride The T into town.
• Library Park and Ride (4100 Brownsville Road)
• West Library Park and Ride (6229 Library Road)
• Bethel Park Park and Ride (5081 Brightwood Road)
• Washington Junction Park and Ride (400 Library Road)
• South Hills Village Garage (1038 Village Drive) – paid lot
• St. Anne’s Park and Ride (960 Rockwood Ave.)
• Castle Shannon Park and Ride (700 Mt. Lebanon Blvd.)
• Memorial Hall Park and Ride (1134 Grove Road) — paid lot
• Mt. Lebanon Park and Ride (600 Shady Drive East)
• Dormont Park and Ride (1428 Biltmore Ave.)
• Potomac Park and Ride (2930 Belrose Ave.)
• Wabash Park and Ride (155 W. Carson St.) — paid lot
Other regional transit organizations, including those in Butler County, Fayette County, New Castle and the Mid-Mon Valley will also observe expanded service to accommodate visitors from around the region.
If you’re planning to drive, parking and road closures will be your biggest concerns. We won’t sugarcoat: it may be an ordeal. Make sure to leave earlier than you think you should, carpool as much as you can and be patient.
In addition to the NFL OnePass app and the Ready2Ride app for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, add the ParkPGH app to the Draft folder on your smartphone to keep a real-time eye on parking conditions. You can also use platforms including ParkWhiz to reserve your spot ahead of time.
There are several phases of road closures, and some have already begun. Here’s a list (some modifications may occur):
Phase 1 Closures | March 28-May 10
• Art Rooney Avenue
• West General Robinson Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive)
• Scotland Avenue
Phase 2 Closures | April 13-April 25
• Casino Drive (from Sproat Way)
• North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way)
• Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive)
• Chuck Noll Way
• Tony Dorsett Drive
Phase 3 Closures | April 22-April 25
• Sproat Way
• North Shore Drive (from Chuck Noll Way to Mazeroski Way)
• Mazeroski Way
• West General Robinson Street
• Lacock Street
• Federal Street
• I-279 Southbound Exit 1B ramp
• Route 65 southbound ramp to Ft. Duquesne Bridge
• Route 65 Northbound ramp from Ft. Duquesne Bridge
• T1 ramp from Reedsdale Street
• Sixth Street Bridge (Roberto Clemente)
• Seventh Street Bridge (Andy Warhol)
• Sixth Street
• Ft. Pitt Bridge on ramp from 10th Street Bypass
• Commonwealth Place
• Liberty Avenue Extension
• Penn Avenue (from Stanwix Street to Ninth Street)
• Liberty Avenue/PPG Paints Arena Exit off Ft. Pitt Bridge
Phase 4 Closures | April 26-May 1
• Casino Drive (from Sproat Way)
• North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way)
• Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive)
• Chuck Noll Way
• Tony Dorsett Drive
• I-279 Southbound Exit 1B
Phase 5 Closures | May 2-May 6
• Reedsdale Street
• Chuck Noll Way
• Tony Dorsett Drive
Phase 6 Closures | May 7-May 10
• Art Rooney Drive
• West General Robinson Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive)
• Scotland Avenue
What to bring (and what not to bring)
The NFL and the City of Pittsburgh want the best and safest draft experience for all, so be aware of what not to do or bring when you enter the Draft Campus.
Bag guidelines
• Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions.
• No buckles, grommets/hardware or decor can conceal any part of the bag.
•One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags are permitted.
• Logo can only be on one side of the bag
• Small, non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” in size, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the NFL Draft with a clear plastic bag.
Things to leave at home
• Alcohol
• Animals except service animals
• Banners, flags or signs larger than 22” x 28.” They cannot block the view of other patrons. No promotional items with commercial slogans without NFL consent.
• Bottles, cans, thermoses, coolers, glass containers, aerosol cans, cups and beverage containers of any kind, unless purchased at an NFL venue or an empty, reusable water bottle.
• Chairs, stools or other seating devices.
• Drones
• Firearms, weapons, knives and explosives.
• Fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind.
• Footballs, Frisbees, inflatable balls/devices, beach balls, throwable sports equipment of any kind.
• Illegal substances.
• Laser pointers.
• Motorized scooters and skateboards.
• Noisemakers, whistles and horns.
• Poles, sticks or missile-like objects of any kind.
• Tripods.
• Umbrellas.
Strollers will be permitted, but any bags or blankets contained within them will be inspected. Small cameras and binoculars will be permitted, but professional-grade recording equipment will not. Blankets are permitted within Point State Park, Acrisure Stadium and the surrounding lots, but not in the draft theater.