Trees Removed From Pittsburgh's North Shore for NFL Draft Setup

Dozens of trees will be cleared to make way for the Draft Theater and Main Stage.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Dozens of trees are being removed from Pittsburgh's North Shore to accommodate the infrastructure and public safety requirements for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. VisitPittsburgh has confirmed that a limited number of trees will be taken down by the end of March to clear space for the Draft Theater and Main Stage, which is expected to cover an area larger than a football field.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is a major event that is expected to bring 500,000 to 700,000 people to Pittsburgh. While the tree removal is necessary for the event setup, it has raised concerns about the environmental impact and the city's commitment to maintaining its urban tree canopy.

The details

Along Art Rooney Avenue and West General Robinson Street near Acrisure Stadium, nearly 50 trees have been marked for removal by Pittsburgh's Forestry Division. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is partnering with the city and VisitPittsburgh to relocate the trees elsewhere in the city and plant 100 new trees in neighborhoods and parks to help offset the loss.

  • By the end of March 2026, the trees will be removed from the North Shore.
  • The NFL Draft will be held from April 23-25, 2026.

The players

VisitPittsburgh

The official tourism promotion agency for the Pittsburgh region.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

A non-profit organization that works to restore and improve Pittsburgh's parks and green spaces.

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What they’re saying

“Together, we will plant 100 trees in neighborhoods and parks where expanding tree canopy can have the greatest environmental and community impact. Increasing canopy helps reduce urban heat, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and strengthen neighborhood resilience.”

— Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will maintain the 100 new trees for two years to ensure their healthy growth.

The takeaway

While the tree removal is necessary for the high-profile NFL Draft event, it highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing urban development with environmental preservation. The city's partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to relocate and replant trees is a positive step, but the long-term impact on the city's tree canopy remains to be seen.