Setting the stage
Pittsburgh maps out plans to get around during NFL Draft
The transportation authorities of Southwestern Pennsylvania counties will play a key role in helping the city of Pittsburgh in its plans to host the 2026 NFL Draft next month.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, Allegheny County officials, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) were on the North Side of Pittsburgh Wednesday afternoon to discuss the plans for making sure the draft is a smooth experience for faraway travelers and locals alike.
Rich Fitzgerald, the executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, talked about how those plans involve making sure those outside of Allegheny County will have options to help get them to and from Pittsburgh during the draft from April 23 to 25.
“More than 20 football hall of famers from Western Pennsylvania, and hundreds of players in the area came from outside of here. In fact, four of the six hall of fame quarterbacks are all from outside of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, and we want to make sure we invite fans from all corners of Southwestern Pennsylvania to the draft,” Fitzgerald said. “And to support the fans traveling from across the Southwestern PA area and surrounding counties, regional transit agencies, there’s 10 of them in the region, will provide expanded and coordinated service to connect communities directly to Pittsburgh throughout draft week.”
In Washington County, Freedom Transit will have extended service hours and offer late-night return trips from Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Fayette Area Coordinated Transit will offer a service connecting Uniontown and surrounding communities to regional park-and-ride locations. PRT plans to offer transportation from those park-and-rides into the city. FACT will also have expanded midday and evening service options.
Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority will supplement its regular commuter service with a “Pittsburgh Express” route, including evening return trips from Downtown Pittsburgh.
“These services are designed to offer convenient, affordable alternatives to driving into Downtown, while helping reduce congestion for those who do,” Fitzgerald said.
PRT is also planning to expand its bus and light rail service during draft week. The T will run from South Hills Village in Bethel Park to the North Side every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato emphasized that there is no cost to attend the NFL Draft.
“This is a free, F-R-E-E exclamation point, free three-day festival for people of all ages, and it’s not just for football fans. There is something for everyone during the draft weekend. This is a celebration of Pittsburgh, and what makes Pittsburgh great,” Innamorato said.
Innamorato added that there will be music, food, a makers market and other activities during the draft. She encouraged people to begin making a plan for how they will get to the festivities.
“You can bike, you can walk, you can take the bus, the incline, The T. You can even hop on the Gateway Clipper. So make your plan, come on down, experience the draft that’s for everyone,” Innamorato said.
Beginning this weekend, the city will begin implementing road closures on the North Side in six phases as the stage for the draft is set. Road closures will expand to include Downtown during draft week, and will wind down through May 10.
Officials are encouraging attendees to make use of public transportation and avoid driving to reduce traffic congestions. Businesses located Downtown are also encouraged to allow employees to work remotely during draft week if possible.