Former Steelers stars Santonio Holmes, Ryan Shazier, Louis Lipps, Mike Merriweather and Robin Cole will headline a series of draft festivities at Live Casino Pittsburgh this week, offering fans a way to celebrate the NFL Draft away from the congestion of downtown Pittsburgh.
While the city prepares for an influx of up to 700,000 visitors at Point State Park and the North Shore, the Hempfield casino is providing a local alternative. Located about 40 miles from the main draft stage at Acrisure Stadium, the venue will host meet-and-greet sessions with several former Pittsburgh players at its Sports & Social Steel City restaurant.
The appearance schedule includes:
• Thursday, 7 p.m.: Wide receiver Holmes and linebacker Shazier.
• Friday, 7 p.m.: Wide receiver Lipps and linebacker Merriweather.
• Saturday, noon: Linebacker Cole.
The draft will be broadcast throughout the week on the casino’s 40-foot media wall. In addition to the player appearances, the venue will serve classic regional cuisine such as haluski, pierogies and chipped ham sandwiches.
On Friday night, Scott Blasey, lead vocalist for the Clarks, will perform at PBR Pittsburgh. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 21-and-over show, and tickets are available through the entertainment calendar at livech.com/pittsburgh.
Visit Pittsburgh estimates the three-day draft could generate an economic impact of up to $213 million for the region. For continued coverage, readers can visit triblive.com/sports/nfl-draft/.