The draft will be held next month in the Steel City. Substantial economic benefits are expected for the region.
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the NFL Draft will be held next month. Ahead of the draft, local government and a publicly funded nonprofit plan to invest $18.9 million in the event.
The goal is to generate at least $120 million in economic impact for the region as a result.
The state, Allegheny County, and the City of Pittsburgh have all chipped in to set aside at least $14 million in investments. The funds will go towards the city’s official tourism agency, VisitPittsburgh, as it determines local plans for the national event.
VisitPittsburgh must invest $5 million in matching funds to receive the state dollars. The nonprofit plans to reach that required match “through a combination of committed resources dedicated to the event,” said Alex Kenzakowski, VisitPittsburgh’s director of communications.
“Committed resources” includes $5 million in contributions from corporations, according to Kenzakowski. The nonprofit will contribute $2 million itself to cover the county’s and city’s match requirements.
Of the total public spending amount at nearly $19 million, the state plans to contribute the most amount of funding at $12.8 million. The county plans to contribute $3 million and the city will contribute $1.1 million.
Of the state’s contribution, $10 million comes from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Marketing to Attract Marquis Events grant program. The grant is what requires a 50% match.
Allegheny County’s committed contribution of $3 million comes from its reserves of hotel room rental tax revenue. The county places a 7% tax on short-term accommodation.
The public funds committed to the NFL Draft will go towards “essential services needed to host an event of this scale,” according to a spokesperson for the Local Organizing Committee, which is an NFL Draft planning group that includes VisitPittsburgh staff and representatives of the public, as well as private entities.
Public safety, infrastructure enhancements, and tourism promotion will be the focus of the funds.
Pennsylvania has an exciting year ahead in sports. Aside from the draft, Philadelphia will host the Major League Baseball 2026 All-Star Game and the FIFA World Cup.
