Pittsburgh Turns on Point State Park Fountain Early for NFL Draft

The iconic fountain is flowing weeks ahead of schedule as the city prepares to host the upcoming NFL draft.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:27pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and energy of the Point State Park fountain, its iconic plume of water shooting up into the sky.Pittsburgh's iconic Point State Park fountain flows in full glory, showcasing the city's energy and pride as it prepares to host the NFL draft.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh officials have turned on the Point State Park fountain weeks earlier than usual, in preparation for the upcoming NFL draft that will bring millions of viewers to the city. The fountain, a beloved landmark, will be flowing in full glory for the draft and other events, as the city invests over $3 million in park upgrades to enhance the experience for visitors.

Why it matters

The early activation of the Point State Park fountain is a strategic move by Pittsburgh to showcase one of its most iconic sights to the national audience tuning in for the NFL draft. As the city looks to elevate its profile on a bigger stage, these infrastructure upgrades and early preparations demonstrate Pittsburgh's commitment to putting its best foot forward for this high-profile event.

The details

State and local leaders gathered at Point State Park on Tuesday to officially turn on the fountain, weeks ahead of its typical May activation. The decision to start the fountain early is directly tied to preparing Pittsburgh for the upcoming NFL draft, which will bring an estimated 55 million viewers from across the country. In addition to the fountain, the city is investing over $3 million in infrastructure and overall upgrades to the park to enhance the experience for visitors during the draft and other events.

  • The Point State Park fountain is typically turned on in May.
  • The fountain was turned on early, on April 7, 2026.
  • The NFL draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in the next two weeks.

The players

Austin Davis

The Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.

Sara Innamorato

The Allegheny County Executive.

Corey O'Connor

The Mayor of Pittsburgh.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For far too long, we've kept the greatness of Pittsburgh to ourselves.”

— Austin Davis, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania

“It's going to be great to have it flowing in its full glory for the NFL draft, before 55 million people view it worldwide, before America 250 concerts and fireworks displays take over.”

— Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive

“It is the gateway to our neighborhoods, the gateway to Downtown. When visitors come through that tunnel, they're going to see this first, and for it to shine like it always does is only beneficial to all of us.”

— Corey O'Connor, Mayor of Pittsburgh

What’s next

The NFL draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in the next two weeks, where the Point State Park fountain will be flowing in full glory for the event and other planned festivities.

The takeaway

Pittsburgh's decision to turn on the iconic Point State Park fountain weeks early demonstrates the city's strategic efforts to showcase its best assets to a national audience during the upcoming NFL draft. By investing in park upgrades and ensuring the fountain is operational, Pittsburgh is positioning itself to make a strong impression and elevate its profile on a bigger stage.