Black-owned businesses considering Draft Bash event one mile from NFL Draft theater

Nearly 100 Black-owned businesses might set up at Allegheny Commons Park when the NFL Draft kicks off on the North Shore.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the energy and activity of an NFL Draft event, with overlapping planes of bright colors and abstract shapes representing the diverse range of Black-owned businesses and community members participating.Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh seek to create their own vibrant celebration of the NFL Draft, carving out a space for community and entrepreneurship amid the larger spectacle.Today in Pittsburgh

Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh are considering hosting a 'Draft Bash' event about one mile away from the main NFL Draft theater on the North Shore. The businesses were initially denied a permit to set up near the draft location, but are now looking at Allegheny Commons Park as an alternative site to showcase their products and services during the high-profile event.

Why it matters

The Draft Bash event represents an opportunity for Black-owned businesses to be part of the excitement and economic activity surrounding the NFL Draft, which is a major event for the city of Pittsburgh. However, the initial denial of a permit near the main draft location raises questions about equitable access and representation for minority-owned enterprises.

The details

Attorneys representing nearly 100 Black-owned businesses met with Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor last week to discuss setting up the Draft Bash event. They say they were initially denied a permit to operate near the second draft location at Point State Park due to concerns from Homeland Security. The businesses are now considering Allegheny Commons Park, about a mile away from the main NFL Draft theater, as an alternative site. Organizers say this would still give them proximity to the draft activities and access to North Side residents and visitors. However, they are still waiting to hear back from the city on whether a permit will be issued for the Allegheny Commons Park location.

  • Last week, attorneys representing Black-owned businesses met with Mayor Corey O'Connor.
  • The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in the coming weeks.

The players

William Marshall

A representative for the group of Black-owned businesses considering the Draft Bash event.

Sharon Jenkins

An attorney with one of two law firms representing the Black-owned businesses.

Corey O'Connor

The mayor of Pittsburgh.

Homeland Security

The agency that reportedly blocked the initial permit request for the Black-owned businesses to set up near the draft location.

Allegheny Commons Park

The potential alternative location for the Draft Bash event, about one mile from the main NFL Draft theater.

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What they’re saying

“This gives us an opportunity to be close to the city and close to the the residents of the North Side. And also we'll have some parking over here to be easy to get over here off of Route 28 or coming from the Strip District.”

— William Marshall, Representative for Black-owned businesses

“We still haven't heard word back from the city, but as of now it looks like that that could be where we're going to be. There's a lot of things involved in putting on this type of event. The vendors have to get a permit from Allegheny Health Department. I have to try to get Porter Jones to stage entertainment, things of that nature. We need action immediately.”

— Sharon Jenkins, Attorney representing Black-owned businesses

What’s next

The group of Black-owned businesses is still waiting to hear back from the city of Pittsburgh on whether they will be granted a permit to host the Draft Bash event at Allegheny Commons Park. Organizers say they need a decision quickly in order to finalize plans and logistics for the event.

The takeaway

The potential Draft Bash event highlights the ongoing efforts by Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh to be included and represented during high-profile events like the NFL Draft. While the initial permit denial raises concerns about equitable access, the alternative location at Allegheny Commons Park could still provide an opportunity for these businesses to showcase their products and services to the influx of visitors expected for the draft.