PITTSBURGH, PA — Pennsylvania law enforcement and emergency agencies say extensive security and safety planning is underway as the city prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, an event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region April 23–25.
What This Means for You
- Large crowds and traffic changes are expected across Downtown Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft.
- State and local agencies have coordinated security, emergency response, and traffic plans for the event.
- Residents and visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activity and follow official updates for road closures and safety alerts.
Officials from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) said planning efforts have been underway for months to prepare for the large-scale event.
The agencies are coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to manage security, crowd safety, and transportation impacts tied to the annual NFL Draft, where National Football League teams select new players entering the league.
Multi-Agency Security Planning
Planning efforts have included joint meetings among agencies, walkthroughs of event locations, information sharing, and scenario-based training exercises designed to prepare for possible emergencies.
Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, said public safety planning has focused on identifying potential threats and ensuring a coordinated response among agencies.
“The safety of everyone attending the NFL Draft is our number one priority,” Bivens said. “Over the past several months, we have collaborated closely with our local, state, and federal partners to assess potential risks and threats, and to develop a comprehensive security plan.”
He added that visitors should remain alert during the event and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Emergency Response Coordination
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates disaster response and major event planning across the state, said it has been preparing resources and support systems for the event.
“Over the last several months, PEMA has been coordinating planning efforts both within the agency and across partner state agencies to ensure that commonwealth assets are ready in advance of the NFL Draft,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We stand ready to provide any state support and resources that local officials may need for this significant event.”
Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said local law enforcement agencies are also coordinating closely with state partners.
“An event like this is the definition of a team effort,” Kearns said. “We continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners, and we look forward to helping make the NFL Draft a safe and secure experience for the residents of Allegheny County and our visitors.”
Event Site Preparations
Point State Park, located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in Downtown Pittsburgh, will serve as a central gathering space during the draft.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said park upgrades were completed in January ahead of schedule to help prepare the site for the large crowds expected during the event.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the park regularly hosts major public gatherings and is prepared to accommodate the influx of visitors.
“Point State Park has long been a gathering place for large events, and our team is experienced in managing crowds while prioritizing the safety of visitors,” Dunn said.
The 2025–26 state budget also included $10 million to support the NFL Draft and related preparations.
Downtown Revitalization Efforts
State officials said the event coincides with broader investments in Downtown Pittsburgh aimed at revitalizing the city’s central business district.
In 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a nearly $600 million effort to support redevelopment in the area, including improvements aimed at boosting economic activity and public safety.
Officials said recent initiatives have included expanded services for unhoused residents, increased police staffing, and cleanup projects that removed more than 3 million square feet of debris from sidewalks and alleyways.
Safety Alerts and Public Reporting
Real-time public safety updates related to the NFL Draft — including road closures, traffic incidents, and venue changes — will be shared by Pittsburgh Public Safety officials and state agencies.
The Pennsylvania State Police said updates will also be posted through its regional account on X at @PSPTroopBPIO.
Residents and visitors can report suspicious activity, terrorism tips, or information related to fugitives or human trafficking through the Pennsylvania State Police tip line at 1-888-292-1919 or by emailing tips@pa.gov. Reports can also be submitted through the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.