Pittsburgh Installs Countdown Clock as it Prepares for 2026 NFL Draft

In anticipation of hosting its first NFL Draft next spring, VisitPittsburgh — in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and the Sports and Exhibition Authority — has unveiled the region’s official countdown clock for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Steel City is set to bring between 500,000 and 700,000 fans to Pittsburgh between April 23–25, 2026. The countdown clock, along the North Shore Great Lawn near Acrisure Stadium, will provide a photo opportunity for the county’s 21 million annual visitors as the destination prepares for the draft.

“Pittsburgh is officially on the clock and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Jerad Bachar, president and chief executive officer of VisitPittsburgh. “This is Pittsburgh’s moment, and we’re ready to come together like Pittsburghers do and put on one of the best NFL Drafts fans have ever experienced and the world has ever watched.”

Pittsburgh-based firms Actual Size and Carpenter Connection are the sponsors of the 18–foot-tall digital clock. The Sister Bridges-inspired steel beam holding it up features 212 total engraved notches with one side representing regional programs that make up the area’s football legacy and the other showcasing all of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods.

“As governor of Pennsylvania, I was proud to make the case for Pittsburgh to host the Draft – a true American sports town, the birthplace of professional football and the home of the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “With all eyes on Pennsylvania during America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Commonwealth is ready and excited to host this historic Draft and show the country what Pennsylvania is all about.”

The two-sided clock was designed to encourage photo opportunities for fans, residents and visitors. From one side, visitors can see all 90 neighborhoods and Pittsburgh’s rivers, bridges and skyline. From the other side, football fans can capture Pittsburgh’s football legacy showcased through Western Pennsylvania high school football programs and Acrisure Stadium.

“The 2026 NFL Draft represents a massive opportunity for our region — both economically and culturally — so we wanted this structure to serve both as a reminder of our roots and an installation that everyone across Allegheny County can be proud of,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “This is just the first of many milestones in what will be a transformational event for the region in 2026 and beyond.”

The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay was attended by over 600,000 fans, matching Nashville’s record in 2019 for the second-highest attendance in Draft history and was seen by more than 50 million viewers worldwide.