Pittsburgh Regional Transit Expands Service for NFL Draft

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Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is expanding its bus and light-rail service to accommodate the large crowds expected for the upcoming NFL Draft event in the city. PRT will receive $350,000 from VisitPittsburgh to help cover the costs of the expanded service, which will include increased frequency on the light-rail 'T' line and temporary bus routes serving park-and-ride locations around the North Shore draft site.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is expected to bring 500,000 to 700,000 people to Pittsburgh, making it the largest event in the city's history. Providing robust public transportation options is crucial to managing the influx of visitors and ensuring the event runs smoothly.

The details

PRT's Planning & Stakeholders Relations Committee detailed the expanded service plans, which include increased light-rail frequency from Downtown to the South Hills and new temporary bus routes serving park-and-ride locations in all four directions around the North Shore draft site. The NFL Draft Theater and Main Stage will occupy a footprint larger than a football field near Acrisure Stadium.

• The NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25, 2026.
• PRT's expanded service plans were discussed at a committee meeting on March 20, 2026.

What’s next

PRT said it expects to release more details on the transportation layout and park-and-ride locations for the NFL Draft within the next week.