2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh Round 1 highlights: Events, traffic and more

The Steelers' first-round pick from Thursday night was one of the best offensive lineman in college football last year at Arizona State.

Here are some more photos from his time with the Sun Devils. 

The NFL shared a time-lapse video showing the construction of the draft stage in Pittsburgh outside Acrisure Stadium. The project took weeks, as crews worked day and night to complete the job. Work started on March 31 and finished on Wednesday. 

Watch the video here.

Before Round 1 kicked off, football fans from around the world spent the day exploring Pittsburgh.

From the NFL Draft Experience to visitors' thoughts on Pittsburgh, you can watch KDKA's full coverage here. 

In the first round of the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Steelers selected Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon at 21st overall.

He battled injuries in his first season in Pittsburgh, but still managed to play 12 games, including making eight starts. His rookie season highlights included tallying 27 tackles and 3 sacks. He will look to build on his solid rookie season to become a bigger contributor in 2026. 

The Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. The offensive lineman has only been playing football since 2021, but he worked his way to become one of the best offensive tackles in college football last season. 

Read more about his story here.

A partial structural collapse of a concrete beam on the first floor of a parking garage on Anderson Street on the North Shore caused minor damage to a few vehicles, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety said.

No one was injured, but first responders were called to the scene around 8:45 p.m. Currently, nobody is allowed into the parking garage. 

Authorities didn't release any other information. 

Photos from the red carpet showed the best-dressed prospects at the NFL draft in Pittsburgh on Thursday night. The players showed off their sense of style ahead of the first round, when they hope to hear their name called. 

Find all the must-see outfits here.

At the top of the Duquesne Incline on Thursday afternoon, Tom Tighe was shaking hands and guiding visitors from around the world on their trip to the Steel City.

To one person, he suggested a nice spot to eat, and to another, he offered directions, providing a friendly face for football fans converging on the city for the NFL draft. 

"They come in from out of town and around the world, make them feel at home," Tighe told KDKA.

When he learned the Draft was coming to Pittbsurgh, the board member for the community group Neighbors on the Mount partnered up with Michael Carlin of the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation to get a group of ambassadors to welcome out-of-towners at the Duquesne and Mon inclines.

"People who maybe have only seen parts of Pittsburgh when they watch a Steeler game on TV or something like that, it's a chance for them to come and really experience the city firsthand," Carlin told KDKA.

The Draft Theater outside Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore is at capacity, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety said. If people leave the event, the NFL will let more people in. 

But until that happens, the Draft Theater is at capacity. 

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. The quarterback did not come to Pittsburgh for the draft. He is spending the night with his family in Florida. 

The first round of the 2026 NFL draft is underway in Pittsburgh. The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock.

A detailed map shows all the road closures and traffic changes for the NFL draft on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh. Officials said the closures were "carefully planned."

Read more about road closures for the NFL draft.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit said it will operate expanded service from Thursday through Saturday, including increased light rail service to Downtown and the North Shore. People are encouraged to take public transit instead of driving. 

Read more about public transit for the NFL Draft.

From kicking field goals to running the 40-yard dash to standing face-to-face with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, fans aren't just watching the draft, they're making a trip out of it. 

KDKA talked to fans from Alberta, Canada, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. And not everybody has traveled far. Five guys who randomly crossed paths at the bus stop on Thursday morning realized two of them graduated high school together decades ago. 

"Just the atmosphere so far has been crazy, just to see how many people are here, but this is definitely one for the history books," one fan said. 

All around Point State Park, fans spent the day connecting, reconnecting and rallying around the game they love. Because whether they came from across the city or across the continent, it all leads to Pittsburgh this week. 

Pittsburgh parking operators are grappling with a supply and demand problem. It appears that people listened to the pleas of leaders to use public transit to get to the NFL draft, leaving empty spots in garages and lots.

Rivers Casino said it has seen a "relaxed" demand for parking spaces, so it's dropping its rate from $250 a day to $100 a day for Thursday and Friday. Alco Parking will also follow suit, slashing its prices on the North Shore for Friday. 

Fans from all over have traveled to Pittsburgh to celebrate their love for the sport of football at the NFL draft. 

You can see photos below that capture the excitement ahead of Round 1 of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh here.

Multiple events are happening around the city before the NFL draft officially kicks off at 8 p.m. They include a block party, live music, and the Draft Experience at Point State Park.

You can get a full list of events at this link. 

Arts Landing, a new green space and playground in the heart of the Cultural District, is hosting a block party for fans of the University of Pittsburgh Athletics.

The 4-acre space is also a concert space that will host the Arts Festival. Thursday's Pitt block party is for football lovers and the rest of the community. 

"I'm a Pitt alumni, I'm excited to check out the Pitt block party," Kelly Kotroco said. 

Workers at Allegheny Health Network's mobile health command center are making sure anyone who needs medical care at the draft can get it.  

Louis Baverso, the CEO of AHN, said they have medical teams at Point State Park as well as the North Side. And when it comes to caring for fans, health providers are all on one team.

"We're all working through the southwestern coalition, which is a group that is representative of all the health care organizations in southwestern Pa. to include local EMS, so we are in constant communication with them," Baverso explained. " We're also connected to the Allegheny County command center."

Hours ahead of the first pick in the draft, the NFL teamed up with the Pittsburgh Steelers to combat homelessness in the Steel City.

More than 50 volunteers gathered around rows of tables packing toothbrushes, shampoos, soap and other toiletry items to give back to those in need. Alongside them were Steelers players Alex Highsmith, Payton Wilson, Will Howard and Wyatt Black.

Over 2,000 bags were packed Thursday afternoon in support of four organizations in the Pittsburgh region, including Pittsburgh's Mercy Operation Safety Net, Light of Life Rescue Mission, the Homeless Children's Education Fund and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

To boost support for the four organizations, Goodell announced that the NFL donated $10,000 to each. 

"Today is a great example of how, by working together, we can make a difference in people's lives," said Lisa Scales, the president and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

The scene at the Monroeville Mall park-and-ride was lots of people and lots of vehicles on Thursday.

Shortly before noon, a sign went up saying the lot of over 100 spaces near the Dick's Sporting Goods was full, causing a slight panic for some fans who were still arriving.

But according to Pittsburgh Regional Transit officials, sometime just after noon, the NFL rented several hundred more spots near the JCPenney for fans to fill.

Though it's a bit of a walk to the buses with a hill in the middle, most people said they found a spot without a problem. 

If you are coming down and using a park and ride at the NFL Draft, give yourself a little extra time and check the PRT website for up-to-date information.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL draft, found himself caught off balance when he drove through the Fort Pitt tunnel earlier this week.

"Nice views, nice views," Love said on Wednesday, less than 36 hours before Thursday night's first round. "When you came out of that little tunnel or whatever, I don't know what the tunnel's called, but you kind of just saw the whole city. So that view was really nice."

The line to get fans into the Draft Experience at Point State Park is moving. 

Photos and videos showed a massive line right after the gates opened, but the wait is now minimal. 

Fans thinking about using Pittsburgh Regional Transit's park-and-ride lots may have to come up with a different plan.

PRT has been putting out alerts on the social media platform X, saying park-and-rides at places like Crafton Station, Bell, Potomac Junction, Mt. Lebanon, McCandless and Washington Junction are full. So be sure to check before you go.

The NFL draft fan experience area is officially open in Pittsburgh, and fans from across the country have arrived in Pittsburgh. 

Tonight, the actual NFL draft stage will open to the public around 5 p.m., but as of Thursday afternoon, all of the fan experience areas are open. 

Whether it's from out west, down south, or all across the country, they're here and having fun. 

The NFL draft itself is expected to start at 8 p.m. 

Not every player whose name is called in the NFL draft is in attendance at the event. This year in Pittsburgh is no different. 

Several players won't be on the North Shore when their names are called, including the presumed first-overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza said he will be watching the event with friends and family in Miami. 

In total, 257 players will be drafted over three days in Pittsburgh, and only 16 will be in attendance. 

Read more here. 

With a league-high 12 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, the Steelers' front office will be busy this weekend. 

While the team did address some needs during free agency, they still have five picks within the top 100 of the draft. 

The Steelers will likely be looking at both sides of the ball in this draft, but specifically offense. 

Read more here.

Right outside of PNC Park at the corner of Federal Street and West General Robinson Street, multiple "Football Flyers" have been dropping fans off for the NFL draft. 

The "Football Flyers" are just one of many ways Pittsburgh Regional Transit has been getting people to the North Shore and downtown for the weekend. 

Two people in town for the Draft from Arizona that KDKA spoke with said they took the 99E to the North Shore from Monroeville Mall. 

They said the trip took about 45 minutes, with one — David Kruper of Mesa, Ariz. — calling it "fairly easy."

The excitement for the NFL draft has been building for months, and for one fan, getting to Pittsburgh first was his top priority. 

Maxwell Elliott from Dover, Pa., got to Point State Park at 6:30 on Thursday morning. 

For him, it was about celebrating the game of football. 

"It's really cool to connect with people, even though we're not in the same fanbase," he said. 

"This has been the best conversation," another fan alongside Maxwell added. 

Maxwell said that it was about meeting players, meeting fans, and creating new experiences during a unique event. 

Just outside of Point State Park this weekend, a massive projection screen will show some of the draft picks, but it comes with a twist. 

The screen is the face of the Wyndham Grand Hotel. 

It's a light show powered by 24 laser projectors, delivering more than 750,000 lumens of light across 41,000 square feet and 578 windows. 

"It's going to be a version of what you see on the screen here, you may see the artwork that college player and then in a way we may overlay the team that they were drafted to," said Chris Stackhouse, Head of Global Brand Experience with the NFL. "So it's a way of interpreting what is happening on the stage through the graphics here."

You can see the projection as it was revealed to the public here. 

The NFL draft area at Point State Park is set to open at noon on Thursday, but many NFL fans want to get in on the action early. 

More than two hours before the fan zone was set to open, fans were seen lining up outside of Point State Park

More details and a list of events at Point State Park this weekend can be found here. 

Commuters coming into Pittsburgh this week during the NFL draft will need to pay attention to traffic, road closures and changes to public transit. 

If you need to drive into the city for work or you usually take public transit, here's what to know.   

Authorities are urging people to take public transit during the NFL draft, but there are some parking options for fans who want to drive. 

The NFL says it doesn't control parking lot inventory or parking rates, so visitors should expect garages and lots to fill quickly, and fans may have to shell out some cash to snag a spot. 

Here's what you need to know about parking.

As more and more people head into Pittsburgh for the NFL draft, real-time traffic will be top of mind for many. 

One of the places drivers and visitors can track traffic around the city is 511PA. 

You can track road conditions, traffic, and more at this link. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are offering a unique and immersive experience during the NFL draft called "Steelers Country." 

It includes a Steelers Nation Unite bar, a 1970s-style fan cave resembling a Pittsburgh basement, and replicas of the Steelers' six Super Bowl rings. 

The 12,000-square-foot interactive space will be located at Point State Park.

You can check out my exclusive look here. 

Even though the NFL draft in Pittsburgh will be an outdoor event, the NFL has said that fans will have to go through "airport level screening" at the entrances. 

Some bags will be allowed inside the draft area, and security screenings begin at noon on Thursday and Friday, and then again at 9 a.m. on Saturday. 

For a full list of what items are and aren't allowed, click here. 

As thousands descend upon Pittsburgh on Thursday evening for the first day of the NFL draft, the weather is going to cooperate.

Rain chances are isolated, and temperatures will be in the high 70s to the mid-60s throughout the day and into the evening. 

You can get the full forecast for today and the weekend right here. 

Heading into the NFL draft tonight, the Steelers have a league-high 12 picks throughout the weekend. 

For the first round, however, the Steelers will pick at 21. 

In the rest of the draft, the Steelers will have one pick in the second round, three picks in the third round, two picks in the fourth round, one pick in the fifth round, one pick in the sixth round, and three picks in the seventh round. 

You can find the full draft order right here. 

The NFL draft is tonight in Pittsburgh, and while there are plenty of festivities happening around the city, the actual event begins at 8 p.m.

If you aren't heading into the city to see it live and in person, all three days of the NFL Draft will be available to watch on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and the NFL Network.

Get more information about start times, where to watch, and more here. 

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said that counterfeit NFL merchandise was seized from Pittsburgh's Strip District.

The merchandise seized appeared to include hats, sunglasses, blankets and more.

Read the full story here.

Market Square is back open after getting a $15 million makeover just in time for the NFL draft.

Watch more here.

Vendors that were chosen to be part of the NFL draft as well as Pittsburgh businesses say they're excited to welcome the rush of people to Downtown and the North Shore.

Watch more here. 

Fans are touching down at the Pittsburgh International Airport ahead of the draft, with some of them coming from as far as Germany.

Read more here.

Stahls, a company with roots in western Pennsylvania, works quickly on the first night of the draft to print names on the jerseys of the attendees. 

"We have under two minutes to decorate that jersey and hand it to the commissioner to give to the player on stage," said Zach Ellsworth, senior vice president of enterprise business operations at Stahls'. 

If the NFL draft is making you feel overwhelmed, KDKA's John Shumway breaks down where to enter and exit for the events on the North Shore and at Point State Park. 

Officials are urging people not to drive, and a map shows how fans can use public transit to get around. 

Pittsburgh Regional Transit says it's expanding its service from Thursday to Saturday, helping move people to, from and between the draft and its events. The footprint takes up Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh and part of the North Shore, with the two sites separated by a river.  

The NFL draft is free to attend. However, fans have to register through the NFL OnePass app or by going to NFL.com/DraftAccess. 

No ticket is required. After registering, fans will receive a QR code in the OnePass app that will grant them entry. 

Read more here.

The 2026 NFL draft begins Thursday, bringing with it extensive road closures across the city.

The third and most impactful phase of road closures went into effect Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

A map of the closures around the city can be found here.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said that pets won't be permitted within the NFL draft's event boundaries.

The pet policy won't apply to service animals. 

"Help us keep the event safe for everyone, including our furry friends, and leave your pets safely at home," Public Safety said.

Allegheny County said its public works department has been busy getting the three "Sister Bridges" over the Allegheny River ready for draft.

Crews spent time painting over graffiti, repairing the bridges' lighting system, picking up litter, and sweeping the roadway.

A temporary flight restriction, or TFR, will be in place during the NFL draft events on Pittsburgh's North Shore and in Point State Park.

The FBI said that anyone found operating a drone near the events will face severe criminal and civil penalties.

Read the full story here.

Pittsburgh is gearing up for "Nothin' but a Good Time" at the NFL draft, and on Tuesday, western Pennsylvania natives Bret Michaels and KELS talked about their upcoming free performances. 

Poison lead singer and Butler native Bret Michaels and national anthem singer and Gibsonia native KELS met with members of the media on Tuesday to preview what fans will get to experience this week during the NFL Draft Entertainment Series.

Read more here. 

A Brashear High School teacher and student are announcing the Buffalo Bills' fifth-round draft pick.

Watch more here. 

Ahead of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, law enforcement and community advocates are working to raise awareness about the increased risks of sexual violence and human trafficking that they say can come with mass gatherings.

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape is reminding people to look out for one another and speak up when something isn't right. 

Read more here.

If you are looking for events and activities during the NFL draft, a map from Visit Pittsburgh shows where everything is going on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Click here to find the map.

Here's a look at every Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick under general manager Omar Khan, who took over following the 2022 NFL draft. 

Click here to see his full draft history. 

While all eyes will be on the No. 1 pick at this year's NFL draft, on Friday night, Heinz is going to be serving up draft pick 57 to the world.

Pittsburgh is Heinz's hometown, and they're the official condiment of the NFL. Since the number 57 is synonymous with the brand, the corporation says it seems only right to sponsor the 57th pick in the draft.

Read more here.

No detail is too small when it comes to preparing Pittsburgh to host the NFL draft. That includes picking up trash and planting some greenery in our neighborhoods.

KDKA's Megan Shinn shares more about the Immaculate Collection.

Pittsburgh Public Safety, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and other community organizations are turning their attention to young people, ensuring they stay safe and engaged during the draft.

Read the full story here.

Visitors will soon be arriving in Pittsburgh for the NFL draft. When they touch down at the Pittsburgh International Airport, they'll have the chance for an NFL draft-themed photo op. 

Watch more here. 

Point State Park is transforming into the NFL Draft Experience — a three-day fan festival featuring plenty of activities.

Fans can take photos with the Steelers' Vince Lombardi Trophies, get autographs from current and former NFL players and buy food and beverages.

You can take a look at Point State Park here.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet will shuttle NFL draft attendees between North Shore and Point State Park later this week. 

Before making plans, click here to find out about the schedule, cost and more. 

There is a genuine concern about the potential for gridlock if everyone tries to drive into Pittsburgh for the event, so transit officials are playing the biggest card they can -- reminding people that the light-rail system that locals know as the "T" and the "Football Flyer" bus routes will be free.

Read the full story here.

Pittsburgh's tourism chief hopes to ease Pittsburghers' concerns about the NFL draft, saying they shouldn't be scared to come downtown because the expected crowd sizes are nothing new for the city.

Read the full story here.

You can watch his predictions and more in this week's episode of NFL Draft Command. 

A company that specializes in transportation with golf carts is making a big push to be ready for the NFL draft.

Shawn Gray, who owns Gray Hare Express, says he has only slept for three out of 84 hours going into Friday morning. And it might not get any better for a while as his company prepares to cart around fans and VIPs coming into town for the draft next week. 

Read more here.

The transit authority said it will be extending service hours and enhancing its routes to meet increased travel demand for the NFL draft in Pittsburgh.

Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24

Runs to Pittsburgh will depart at the following times, beginning at the New Stanton Park & Ride:
• 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 3:30 PM

Return trips will depart from the "Teardrop" at:
• 8:00 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM, and 1:30 AM

Saturday, April 25

Runs to Pittsburgh will depart at the following times, beginning at the New Stanton Park & Ride:
• 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM

Return trips will depart from the "Teardrop" at:
• 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 6:45 PM

Pittsburgh restaurants are gearing up to feed hungry fans during next week's NFL draft. 

If you're coming to the city and looking for somewhere to eat, Hal B. Klein with the Post-Gazette compiled a list of 30 locally owned spots that are easy to get to.

One week out from the NFL draft, the city is still chipping away at its to-do list.

From Arts Landing to Market Square renovations to 18 new retail spots opening up, here's a look at everything going on to get ready. 

NFL officials say the stage, which is its biggest project, is set to be completed by April 22 or April 23.

The draft footprint, which stretches 68 football fields, is divided by a river for the first time, the NFL said. That also brings logistics challenges, with events on the North Shore and at Point State Park. 

"It offered us the opportunity to expand our footprint," said Steve Farago, NFL director of event operations. "More offerings for fans. Are there some operational challenges? Sure. That's why we started this planning two years ago, to make sure it's sound and safe."  

With hundreds of thousands of people coming to Pittsburgh for the NFL draft, it keeps security planners hyper vigilant. 

Dennis Lejeck with Vitalis Security said that because there are more points of vulnerability, there will be the need to create points of entry using fencing, using bollards, and securing roadways. 

Read the full story here.

Airbnb is being proactive before the NFL Draft, reinforcing its ban on parties. 

As of Wednesday, Airbnb says 70 percent of available listings in Pittsburgh are priced under $500 a night. A spokesperson says the company will be watching to make sure its properties stay free of trouble. 

Watch the full story here.

People who plan on using PRT's "Football Flyer" routes during next week's NFL draft will be able to do so free of charge.

PRT said the four Football Flyer routes will be free and will run every 15 minutes on Thursday and Friday. Buses will run every 30 minutes on Saturday.

Read the full story here.

In a social media post, Pittsburgh Public Safety shared a warning about "fraudulent parking schemes circulating on social media and third-party platforms." Authorities said multiple fraud reports have already been identified. 

Read more about how to protect yourself here. 

With the draft just a little more than a week away, a small army of local companies is part of the process to make all the magic happen. One of those local companies is Michael's Manna, which will be cooking food for some of the NFL's biggest names. 

Read more here. 

A hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh will soon transform into a massive projection screen during the NFL draft, showcasing the city's football legacy and top draft prospects during the multi-day event.

See the full story here.

Allegheny Health Network and UPMC will both ahve have pop-up clinics for the NFL draft.

"We need our ERs to be full of the right folks who truly need their emergency services," said Dr. Amy Crawford-Faucher, chair of AHN's Department of Family Medicine.

Read more here.

Technology is changing how NFL teams look at draft prospects, and some of that development is happening at Carnegie Mellon University.  

Read more about how CMU is helping NFL teams here.

Phase 2's closures are in effect until April 21 and include:

• Casino Drive (from Sproat Way)
• North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way)
• Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive)
• Chuck Noll Way
• Tony Dorsett Drive
• I-279 Southbound Exit 1B ramp to Reedsdale Street
• Reedsdale Underpass

Read more here.

NFL draft construction is underway in Point State Park, closing off a portion of the park as crews start setting up for what will be a major part of the "NFL Draft Experience."

Read the full story here.

Episode 2 of KDKA Draft Command breaks down everything to know ahead of the NFL draft. 

Watch the whole episode here. 

P3R is hosting the PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K, and CEO Troy Schooley has everything runners need to know about the race on April 25.  

Watch the full interview here.

Before coming to the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, here's what to know about parking, including how to reserve a spot and how much it costs. 

Read the full story here.

Beginning on Monday, more will be added to the list as part of phase two of the closure plan. 

The following roads will close:

• Casino Drive from Sproat Way
• North Shore Drive to Chuck Noll Way
• Reedsdale Street to Tony Dorsett Drive
• Chuck Noll Way and Tony Dorsett Drive

Those closures will be in place until April 21. 

Read the full story here. 

The Coast Guard says it will close parts of Pittsburgh's three rivers during the NFL draft to "ensure public safety, safeguard event participants, and protect the maritime transportation system."

Read the full story here. 

With the NFL draft two weeks away, how much are hotel rooms across the Pittsburgh area?  

KDKA takes a look at the prices here.

It's crunch time for the NFL draft, and while preparations are underway on the North Shore, work is expected to start this weekend at Point State Park. Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor said he's confident and excited about the big event. 

"This is a challenge," he said. "Pittsburgh has never hosted anything like this. I think we've been able to plan for a very long time and public safety feels very confident."

Read more here.

Fernando Mendoza, expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, will watch the NFL draft with family and friends in Miami, someone with knowledge of the quarterback's plans said Tuesday.

That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Mendoza hasn't made his plans public.

The draft will take place in Pittsburgh starting April 23, and many top players will be there to receive congratulations and a hug from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. But players, even those who are drafted first, sometimes prefer to watch from a different location.

Pittsburgh is getting a head start on one of its most iconic sights, just in time for the national spotlight later this month.

State and local leaders gathered at Point State Park on Tuesday to turn on the fountain, weeks ahead of schedule, while also unveiling millions of dollars in upgrades tied to the city's future.

Read more here.

The NFL draft excitement is growing by the day, and on Tuesday, Visit Pittsburgh unveiled plans for its "Picksburgh" events that coincide with the draft.

"We're going to have local live music both in Market Square, along with 15 other venues around the city. This is not just Downtown," Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's Jeremy Waldrup told KDKA-TV.

Read more here.   

Traffic experts say the NFL draft will be a test for Pittsburgh's roads. 

In a release from Carnegie Mellon University, Sean Qian, who directs the school's mobility data analytics center, said there are going to be more people on the roads than usual, even though Pittsburgh Regional Transit has warned people not to drive.

Read more here.

Episode 1 of KDKA Draft Command breaks down everything to know ahead of the NFL draft. You can watch the whole thing here.

The Allegheny County Health Department is reminding vendors that their permits need to be in order.

While official draft vendors were selected up to a year ago, the health department says they still need to confirm all health and safety requirements are good to go. 

Watch more here. 

The Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh's North Shore is offering a four-day parking pass with in/out privileges for the NFL draft for $500, plus taxes and fees.

The casino said that a four-day pass for April 22 through April 25 can be purchased online at a 50% discount compared to paying for parking for $250 per day. 

The four-day pass will allow re-entry, unlike individual day passes.

As your home for the Pittsburgh Steelers, KDKA is getting you ready for the NFL draft, too.

Every week in April, all the news and updates related to the draft will be airing in a streaming special as we share everything you need to know, all in one place.

The first "KDKA Draft Command" streaming special premiers on Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. on CBS News Pittsburgh. 

If there's one thing Pittsburghers love most, well, it's Pittsburgh itself and the people who are from here. 

Now, two Pittsburgh sons will headline the NFL Draft Entertainment Series. The NFL announced that Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will be performing the weekend of the draft, along with Kane Brown. 

Wiz Khalifa will perform on Friday evening before rounds two and three, as will Michaels. 

"Coming home to Pittsburgh for the Draft is pretty special," said Wiz Khalifa. "This city raised me, and the energy here is different. Being back with the fans and representing the city in a moment like this just feels right."

"I cannot be more honored, excited, and fired up to be asked to perform at the Pittsburgh 2026 Draft on Friday night," Michaels added. "As a Pittsburgh native and a diehard fan of the Steelers, the NFL, and all things Pittsburgh, this is a dream come true."    

Brown, the 12-time Country Airplay topper, will close out the weekend with a performance on Saturday. 

All of the shows will take place at the theater next to Acrisure Stadium. 

The Beaver County Transit Authority announced service plans for riders wishing to travel to and from the NFL draft in late April.

The agency said it will be offering rides from the Expressway Travel Center to Downtown Pittsburgh for $5 per person each way or will be offering a $10 unlimited day pass.

Boarding and departure times for all three days of the draft can be found online. 

Pittsburgh Councilman Bobby Wilson has proposed new legislation that would increase parking meter rates Downtown and on the North Shore to $5 per hour while the NFL draft is going on.

With parking lot and garage rates expected to be over $200 per day on the North Shore, the legislation says that the existing penalties for illegal parking aren't likely to serve as a disincentive to violations.

If approved, the increased parking rates would be temporarily in effect from April 22 through April 27. 

Read the full story.

The Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a bill that allows 18 law enforcement agencies to assist the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police during the draft. 

Council says the agencies will assist with additional personnel and equipment, and the agreement expires once the draft is over. This includes some county sheriff's offices, municipal departments, and university police departments, as well as federal agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Homeland Security. 

The council said the agreement does not allow for any immigration enforcement activities.

"It's very important to us that ICE does not come in and intimidate our guests," Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Barb Warwick said. 

The assisting agencies will pay their officers out of their own budgets.