(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of VisitPITTSBURGH)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Fans can register now for free entry to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is presented by Bud Light, by downloading the NFL OnePass app or visiting NFL.com/DraftAccess by clicking here. This draft will take place in the Steel City on April 23rd–25th, and it will transform both the North Shore and Point State Park into a celebration of community, culture and football in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh for three days. According to a recent release from VisitPITTSBURGH, here is some more information that fans should know about the 2026 NFL Draft:

• In partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the league will deliver an expansive Draft campus designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s landmarks, waterways and unmistakable skyline while creating an immersive fan experience for all ages.

• The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located just outside Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, where the Draft will bring all 32 club selections to life across three days. Fans in attendance will be positioned in the heart of one of the country’s most recognizable sports districts and steps away from the action as prospects hear their names called and dreams become reality. Throughout the broadcast, Pittsburgh’s skyline, rivers and iconic bridges will provide a backdrop that reflects the beauty of the city and give fans in attendance a front row seat to the football celebrations. 
• Two iconic Pittsburgh mainstays will connect the Draft campus. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and serve as a pedestrian-only fan corridor linking the North Shore and Downtown, while the Gateway Clipper Fleet riverboats will provide transportation between Draft locations, offering fans a uniquely Pittsburgh way to experience the event while highlighting the city’s waterways.

• The NFL Draft Experience, the league’s interactive football theme park, will be located at both the North Shore Draft campus, including inside Acrisure Stadium, and Point State Park, transforming one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and scenic public spaces into a vibrant hub of football, community and culture. At the NFL Draft Experience, attendees will enjoy an immersive festival featuring:

• Interactive Exhibits & Sponsor Activations: Engage with special activations, including the opportunity to kick a field goal, run the 40-yard dash, participate in catching skills, earn free prizes and view NFL hall of fame exhibits, creating hands-on football experiences for fans of all ages.
• Player Meet & Greet Opportunities: Get autographs and interact with current NFL stars and Legends. The full schedule of player appearances will be available exclusively on the NFL OnePass app in the coming weeks.
• Photo Ops & Memorabilia: Capture memorable moments with the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy, all 59 Super Bowl Rings and discover exclusive NFL merchandise at NFL Shop presented by Visa.
• Youth & Family Zones: Enjoy activities at the Play 60 Zone and take part in NFL FLAG drills, skills challenges, and football clinics tailored for young fans.
• Local Food & Culture Spotlight: Food and beverage vendors will showcase local fare, with concessions representing various cuisines and iconic restaurants in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.
• Acrisure Stadium Access & On-Field Activations: During Draft weekend, Acrisure Stadium will be open to fans looking to view the NFL Draft and experience exclusive activations inside the stadium and on the field itself.
• Steelers Country:  Serves as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official fan destination during the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park, celebrating the unique traditions of Steelers Nation and creating a centralized space for fans to gather, engage, and experience Draft weekend together.

• Fans planning to attend the free 2026 NFL Draft Experience should download the NFL One Pass app. Available via NFL.com/DraftAccess, NFL One Pass is the must-have tool for navigating Draft weekend and provides real-time updates, a full schedule of interactive activities, Know-Before-You-Go information, and access to exclusive digital content and prizes including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.
• Throughout the Draft, fans can also enjoy the free NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light, featuring live performances in the Draft Theater. The performances are free and open to fans on a first-come, first-served basis. Headlining acts will be announced in the coming weeks.                                                      
• The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be fully accessible to all attendees. For more details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation options and road closures, fans can check the Know-Before-You-Go information, which will be released over the coming weeks.

DATE	TIMING
Thursday, April 23	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• All times are local and may be subject to change. 
• The 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes and will be available to stream on NFL+. Round 1 begins Thursday, April 23rd, followed by Rounds 2–3 on Friday, April 24th and Rounds 4–7 on Saturday, April 25th.