I spent NFL Draft Day touring the North Side and dahntahn, visiting all of the facilities the NFL and the city set up for the 2026 draft. Here’s a selection of things I saw along my way!
My 4.2-mile route (starts on the North Side at the Green Dot)
Quick look at the new party pavilion across the street from PNC Park’s main entrance
Looking down General Robinson Street (looking toward Acrisure from PNC Park)
Welcome to Picksburgh! at PNC Park
Unfortunately, this is how PNC Park feels during too many Pirates games (but it is a beautiful ballpark!)
Radio Row along the PNC Park Riverwalk (outside the Center and Right Field stands)
Maz! (Statue of my childhood hero outside PNC Park)
Steeler Jesus and Steeler Pope, seen being interviewed along General Robinson St.
Entrance to the NFL Draft Grounds
Inside the Draft Grounds
Closer look at the theater and stage area
The NFL Network’s broadcast stage
Immaculate Reception Monument (inside the fenced off draft grounds)
The Draft Countdown Clock (also inside the fenced off draft grounds)
Clock close-up (this side lists all of the WPIAL football schools)
Inside Acrisure
Pano view of the grounds & city from the ramp inside Acrisure
Looking toward the Point along the river, still in the fenced draft grounds
A closer look at the giant floating TV screen on the Allegheny
Interesting look at River Security, juxtaposed with the Billy Porter mural along the Allegheny River walk – immediately to Billy’s left is 4-year-old Liberty Kinsel (daughter of Pgh-artist D.S. Kinsel), and to his right is Pitt basketball player Dejuan Blair
Roberto watching it all from the Roberto Clemente Bridge
Robodog greeting visitors along 6th St (heading from Clemente Bridge to Market Square)
Market St entrance to Market Square
The bandstand and broadcast watching setup inside Market Square
Part of the Market Square Canopy, looking at PPG Place
Old band playing “Play That Funky Music (White Boy)” outside the Wyndham (might have been Wild Cherry?)
Entrance to Point State Park’s NFL Experience
Hopeful pricing at a parking garage along the Blvd of the Allies