Steelers Drop Hype Video for 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh and Reveal Schedule of Dates

The 2025 NFL draft is old news at this point.

It's time to start looking ahead.

The Pittsburgh Steelers did just that Saturday when they posted a video with the caption "Pittsburgh is officially on the clock" since the city will host the 2026 NFL draft. The video also included the dates, as the draft will happen from April 23-25 next year:

The NFL announced the 2026 draft will take place in Pittsburgh back in May 2024.

"The NFL draft is one of the biggest, most-anticipated sporting events of the year, and we're thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH for our 2026 event," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the time. "We have a unique opportunity to spotlight this wonderful community on a global stage, benefiting Pittsburgh's economy and entertaining football fans from all markets. We know this pride of Pennsylvania will shine bright in 2026."

Part of the announcement explained the city of Pittsburgh will also host a number of activities around the draft, including a concert series and the NFL draft experience, which is a free fan festival.

It also said there will be a focus on Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, which is the home of the Steelers.

Madaleine Rubin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the draft has accelerated the timeline for a 10-year, $600 million plan to revitalize the city's downtown. The plan features residential projects and improvements to public spaces such as Point State Park and is scheduled to finish right before the 2026 draft.

Rubin also noted VisitPittsburgh expects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to visit the city for the draft, which will put the renovations and improvements under a national spotlight.

This comes after Green Bay, Wisconsin, hosted the 2025 NFL draft and drew 205,000 fans for Thursday's opening round alone:

Detroit hosted the event in 2024 and, according to the Detroit Free Press, set the record for first-night attendance with 275,000 and overall attendance with more than 775,000 over the course of the three days.

Pittsburgh may have that record total in its sights, though, as it prepares for next year's festivities.