Steelers Formally Submit Bid To Host NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Steelers have submitted a formal application to host the NFL draft in 2026 or 2027. The team made the announcement Friday in a video on social media.

Tagged in the post were Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, tourism agency Visit Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.

A decision on the bid is expected when NFL owners collectively meet in May.

The draft would not be held in Acrisure Stadium but in an area between the stadium and Stage AE on North Shore Drive.

The draft involves far more than football fans from across the nation witnessing the selection of future NFL playoffs. What the NFL calls the Draft Experience offers fans an opportunity to test their football skills, enjoy interactive exhibits and take part in photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

There also are musical performances. In Pittsburgh, those likely would occur at Stage AE.

An estimated 312,000 people attended the 2023 draft in Kansas City. Tourist agency Visit K.C. said the draft had an estimated economic impact of $164.3 million, Sports Business Journal reported.