Shapiro throws support behind Steelers’ draft bid
The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last week to strengthen their quarterback room.
Now they’re getting even more support — from Harrisburg.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that he supports the Steelers’ bid to host the NFL draft in 2026 or 2027.
“Pittsburgh has established itself as one of the most dynamic cities on the East Coast — and the birthplace of professional football,” Mr. Shapiro said in a statement. “Pittsburgh is the best choice in the country to host the NFL Draft.”
He’s not alone throwing his support behind the bid.
Last month, the Sports & Exhibition Authority board members authorized executive director Aaron Waller and other officers to enter into agreements with the NFL, the Steelers, VisitPittsburgh, the city, Allegheny County and others in support of securing the three-day event. The Stadium Authority
did the same days before.
The authorization gave Mr. Waller and other officers the power to “negotiate and execute documents in furtherance of obtaining the NFL draft for Pittsburgh.”
In addition to the exposure the NFL draft brings its host city, the event has a significant economic impact.
Local tourism group VisitPittsburgh has estimated that the draft could generate $120 million to $160 million in direct economic impact.
Kansas City, which hosted last year’s draft, calculated its impact at $164 million.
The plan would be to hold the draft somewhere on the North Shore between Acrisure Stadium and Stage AE. The Steelers see the parking lots on West General Robinson Street as possible viewing areas.
Mr. Shapiro said the draft would draw 350,000 visitors and inject over $100 million into the local economy.
“Tourism is one of the largest and most important industries in Pennsylvania, generating over $76 billion a year and supporting more than 486,000 jobs across the Commonwealth,” Mr. Shapiro wrote in his letter to the NFL
Pittsburghers take exceptional pride in being a true American sports town with deep roots to NFL legends — Unitas, Marino, Ditka, Namath and Montana,” he said. “An NFL draft in Pittsburgh will far surpass attendance for the NFL over the 2022 and 2023 numbers — with all eyes on Pennsylvania.”
The Governor’s letter of support for the Steelers’ bid to host the NFL draft, which he sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, can be read in full here.
The 2024 draft will be held in Detroit starting April 25. Next year, it will be in Green Bay.