Upcoming NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Prepares for Influx of Fans
Pittsburgh is gearing up for one of the NFL’s most significant events as large crowds are anticipated to descend upon the city for the upcoming draft. In preparation, local authorities are initiating road closures.
The closures are part of a broader transportation strategy linked to next month’s NFL Draft, with transport officials and Pittsburgh city representatives revealing the details during a press conference at the North Side T Station.
To facilitate the influx of visitors over the event’s three-day span, the city will enhance light rail services, modify bus routes, offer park-and-ride services outside downtown, and implement designated pedestrian pathways along with a systematic approach to road and bridge closures to maintain smooth traffic flow.
Phased Road Closures
The road closures will occur in six phases, escalating as the draft date approaches, with some restrictions extending beyond the event itself:
- Phase 1 (March 28 to April 12): Art Rooney Avenue, West General Robinson Street (up to Tony Dorsett Drive), Scotland Avenue
- Phase 2 (April 13-21): Casino Drive (from Sproat Way), North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way), Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive), along with closures from Phase 1
- Phase 3 (April 22-25): Multiple streets including Sproat Way and North Shore Drive will be closed, in addition to closures from previous phases
- Phase 4 (April 26 to May 1): Similar to Phase 2, with a focus on North Shore Drive and intersections
- Phase 5 (May 2-6): Continuing closures of Reedsdale Street, Chuck Noll Way, and Tony Dorsett Drive
- Phase 6 (May 7-10): Final closures on Art Rooney Avenue and West General Robinson Street
Officials anticipate the attendance of 500,000 to 700,000 people for the draft, scheduled for April 23 to 25. The NFL OnePass app will be a key resource for transportation details and information related to the event.
Enhanced Transit Options
Special express bus routes, called “Football Flyers,” will facilitate fan transportation during the draft. These will operate frequently, along with an increase in light rail service to link Downtown and North Shore areas throughout the event.
As public transit expands, regular fares will apply, alongside a special Draft Pass available starting April 1 that offers unlimited rides for a week at a cost of $25. Park-and-ride locations will remain open, with most available at no charge.
