The 2025 NFL Draft is in the book. The three-day event in Green Bay, Wisconsin has concluded and the Pittsburgh Steelers have a new rookie class. Their next one will feel even more homemade. The 2026 NFL Draft will aim for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Steel City will host an event only for the second time in its history, which began in 1936. This was the first modern one, first appearing in the 1947 draft in 1948 and will be held at the Fort Pit Hotel. Compared to today’s gorgeousness and glamorous environment, it’s a completely different environment. The first overall choice was chosen from the hat, but the Pittsburgh choice was solidified via a coin flip. The NFL has led Pittsburgh to compete with the AAFC for drafting the rights of top prospects and refuse to announce those selected for fear of teams trying to poach their picks. The paper had to try and find the Steelers’ choice for themselves.
It’s safe to say that much has changed since then. In a marquee event, which is only surpassed by the Super Bowl, next year’s draft allowed more than a million fans to downtown Pittsburgh. This is a noble goal, but considering the city’s location in the middle of several other football towns (New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo), it’s fertile ground for draft fans to travel.
The official location has not been announced, but the draft is expected to take place at the North Shore near Aquilis Earth Stadium. Fans will be poured into town throughout the week, bringing economical pimples to local businesses as many draft festivals are scheduled. And as a commissioner Roger Goodell outlined in an interview with Andrew Stockey of Wtae. A chance to see Pittsburgh shine on the national stage.
“I think the bigger impact is that we can bring together the community,” Goodell said. “It brings them together, and it really shows off their community. And I know the Pittsburghs are proud of it.”
After being rejected at a regular draft venue at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the NFL began scrambling on the roads in 2015. It took more than a decade for Pittsburgh to be chosen, but Goodell studied in nearby Washington & Jefferson to get to know the city well.
Goodell provided advice on how the city should prepare.
“I’ve always told the city as I started this journey. Make sure it’s yours. Make sure it reflects in your community. You’ll spin it.
The city is already deepening its plans, with more information being released every few weeks.
There are many things that could change, but who is the top prospects for 2026? The quarterback class could be stronger than in 2025. It is not guaranteed, especially if Texas Archmanning declares. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is one of the first defensive players, and many offensive linemen are expected to be able to make early choices.
Pittsburgh rarely hosts the Super Bowl. Even in an interview with Stockie, Goodell said virtually the same thing. The weather was a concern for outdoor stadiums, and he pointed to a list of increasingly shorter cities of the size of the Super Bowl brings. Hosting a draft is the best thing to do next. Within a year, Pittsburgh gets a chance.
