Pittsburgh Regional Transit Tackles NFL Draft Mega Event
4/22/2026
From April 23-25, Pittsburgh, PA, is expecting an influx of visitors for the NFL Draft. While major events like the NFL Draft can be an economic boon, they have the potential to overtax a city’s infrastructure. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has plans in place to get fans and residents where they need to go.
With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, PRT began planning nearly a year ago to move massive crowds safely and efficiently throughout the region. PRT spokesman Adam Brandolph said, “The Draft is a massive undertaking that requires an extraordinary level of coordination. Planning for an event like this extends far beyond traditional event logistics.”
PRT worked closely with the NFL, the Steelers, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, public safety agencies, and Visit Pittsburgh to align logistics and communications. Visit Pittsburgh’s 2026 NFL Draft: Public Transportation and Regional Access Guide recommends public transportation as the most stress-free way to experience the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The guide provides visitors with information to plan their trip and outlines PRT’s expanded service, which includes:
- Weekday-level service on high-ridership corridors
- Increased light rail frequency
- Extra airport connections
In addition, PRT will operate four special “Football Flyer” bus routes, which will start at major suburban lots and travel directly to the Draft Campus. The Football Flyer, light rail (the “T”), and the Monongahela Incline, are all free due to a partnership with Sheetz.
For those looking to take transit from further away, the access guide provides links to other regional transit agencies providing expanded and coordinated service. These services are intended to offer convenient, affordable alternatives to driving and aim to reduce congestion in downtown Pittsburgh during the event.