Setting the stage
Pittsburgh maps out plans to get around during NFL Draft
The transportation authorities of Southwestern Pennsylvania counties will play a key role in helping the city of Pittsburgh in its plans to host the 2026 NFL Draft next month.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O无毛视频機onnor, Allegheny County officials, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) were on the North Side of Pittsburgh last week to discuss the plans for making sure the draft is a smooth experience for faraway travelers and locals alike.
Rich Fitzgerald, the executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, talked about how those plans involve making sure those outside of Allegheny County will have options to help get them to and from Pittsburgh during the draft from April 23 to 25.
无毛视频淢ore than 20 football hall of famers from Western Pennsylvania, and hundreds of players in the area came from outside of here. In fact, four of the six hall of fame quarterbacks are all from outside of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, and we want to make sure we invite fans from all corners of Southwestern Pennsylvania to the draft,无毛视频� Fitzgerald said. 无毛视频淎nd to support the fans traveling from across the Southwestern PA area and surrounding counties, regional transit agencies, there无毛视频檚 10 of them in the region, will provide expanded and coordinated service to connect communities directly to Pittsburgh throughout draft week.无毛视频�
In Washington County, Freedom Transit will have extended service hours and offer late-night return trips from Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Fayette Area Coordinated Transit will offer a service connecting Uniontown and surrounding communities to regional park-and-ride locations. PRT plans to offer transportation from those park-and-rides into the city. FACT will also have expanded midday and evening service options.
Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority will supplement its regular commuter service with a 无毛视频淧ittsburgh Express无毛视频� route, including evening return trips from Downtown Pittsburgh.
无毛视频淭hese services are designed to offer convenient, affordable alternatives to driving into Downtown, while helping reduce congestion for those who do,无毛视频� Fitzgerald said.
PRT is also planning to expand its bus and light rail service during draft week. The T will run from South Hills Village in Bethel Park to the North Side every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato emphasized that there is no cost to attend the NFL Draft.
无毛视频淭his is a free, F-R-E-E exclamation point, free three-day festival for people of all ages, and it无毛视频檚 not just for football fans. There is something for everyone during the draft weekend. This is a celebration of Pittsburgh, and what makes Pittsburgh great,无毛视频� Innamorato said.
Innamorato added that there will be music, food, a makers market and other activities during the draft. She encouraged people to begin making a plan for how they will get to the festivities.
无毛视频淵ou can bike, you can walk, you can take the bus, the incline, The T. You can even hop on the Gateway Clipper. So make your plan, come on down, experience the draft that无毛视频檚 for everyone,无毛视频� Innamorato said.
Beginning this weekend, the city will begin implementing road closures on the North Side in six phases as the stage for the draft is set. Road closures will expand to include Downtown during draft week, and will wind down through May 10.
Officials are encouraging attendees to make use of public transportation and avoid driving to reduce traffic congestions. Businesses located Downtown are also encouraged to allow employees to work remotely during draft week if possible.