Pittsburgh Calls on Residents to Clean Up Ahead of NFL Draft

PennDOT seeks volunteers to help tidy up the city before thousands of visitors arrive.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 3:20pm

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Officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) are encouraging Pittsburgh residents to help clean up the city ahead of the NFL Draft taking place April 23-25. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll says road crews are hoping to get to work picking up trash and debris, but they rely heavily on volunteer efforts for litter removal. The agency wants Pittsburgh and the surrounding region to make a positive impression when thousands of visitors come in for the draft.

Why it matters

As a major sporting event, the NFL Draft is expected to bring significant tourism and economic activity to Pittsburgh. However, the city's streets and public spaces need to be presentable to create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. PennDOT is calling on the community to pitch in and tidy up ahead of the high-profile event.

The details

In addition to individual volunteer efforts, PennDOT is encouraging groups and corporations to adopt sections of roadside to clean up. The agency says it relies heavily on volunteer support for litter removal efforts, as its own road crews can only do so much. Officials want Pittsburgh to make a great impression when the NFL Draft comes to town.

  • The NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, 2026.

The players

Mike Carroll

Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining roads and highways.

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What they’re saying

“We must rely heavily on volunteer efforts for litter removal, and we're hoping Pittsburgh residents will step up to help make the city look its best for the NFL Draft.”

— Mike Carroll, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (lightnercommunications.com)

What’s next

PennDOT is working to coordinate volunteer cleanup efforts in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, and is encouraging both individuals and groups to sign up to adopt sections of roadside to clean.

The takeaway

The NFL Draft presents a unique opportunity for Pittsburgh to showcase its city pride and community spirit. By rallying residents to pitch in and tidy up the streets, PennDOT hopes to create a welcoming atmosphere that will impress the thousands of visitors expected to descend on the city.