Steelers Franchise Is Super Confident Organization Will Host 2026 Or 2027 NFL Draft: 'Believe We’re Going To Get It'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have submitted an official bid to host an upcoming NFL draft. The city of Pittsburgh will soon find out if they will host the draft in 2026 or 2027. Excitement is already high in the city due to the Steelers' offseason additions, but hosting the draft would elevate that excitement even further.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show that the Steelers have a strong chance of hosting a draft. Jenna Harner of Channel 11 Sports spoke with several city officials to gather more details about Pittsburgh's likelihood of hosting the draft and what it would entail. She interviewed Jerad Bacher, the CEO of VisitPittsburgh, to gain insights into how the event would look in Pittsburgh.

“The visibility of downtown has to be very quite apparent. So the front of the stage where the viewers would be looking into at the front of the stage would be facing downtown. You could see the stage being located just on this side of Acrisure Stadium facing the downtown area.”

Harner shared further insights based on the information she gathered during her conversation with Bacher.

"Downtown, Point State Park, the Central Business District, and the Strip District will all host extra events over the course of the weekend. The inclines, Station Square and the rivers will also be used."

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro revealed that he has been assertive in his discussions with Goodell about Pittsburgh hosting an upcoming NFL draft.

“I’ve been twisting the arm of Commissioner Goodell of the NFL. I won’t get into our private conversations but suffice to say I’ve been pretty aggressive in making the case for Pittsburgh.”

Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne Fontana expressed his strong confidence that Pittsburgh will soon be announced as the host of an upcoming NFL draft.

“We believe we deserve it. And we believe we’re going to get it.”

It's estimated that hosting the NFL draft could bring 350,000 visitors to Pittsburgh, significantly boosting local tourism and business. The economic impact is projected to range from $100 to $150 million, a figure that experts believe is conservative and could potentially be even higher. The influx of visitors would not only benefit hotels and restaurants but also create opportunities for local vendors and attractions to showcase what Pittsburgh has to offer.

The prospect of Pittsburgh hosting a draft is incredibly exciting for the city. It would put Pittsburgh on the national stage, showcasing its vibrant culture, rich history, and passionate sports community. Steeler Nation, known for being one of the most loyal and enthusiastic fanbases in football, would undoubtedly rally behind the event, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the city.

Steelers Hosting A Draft Could Break Records

The success of the 2024 draft hosted by the Detroit Lions in Detroit sets a high benchmark. That event was a huge success, setting record attendance and viewership numbers. With the Steelers' storied history and dedicated fanbase, Pittsburgh is well-positioned to meet or even exceed those benchmarks. The energy and support from Steelers fans could rival any previous draft experience, making it a memorable and impactful event.

City officials and local businesses are already preparing for the possibility, with plans to enhance infrastructure and services to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Community leaders see this as an opportunity not just for economic gain, but also to foster community pride and unity.

Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, which could come any day now, revealing whether Pittsburgh has been chosen to host the draft in either 2026 or 2027. If selected, the city is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience that will resonate with football fans nationwide and further cement Pittsburgh's reputation as a top-tier sports city.