Throughout its history, the NFL Draft has touched down in eight different cities. After leaving its primary location, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, in 2014, the NFL held the draft in Chicago in 2015 and 2016, and it has rotated ever since, landing in cities like Nashville, Tenn., Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Green Bay, Wis., in 2025
Every city brings its own character and energy, turning the draft into a full-blown celebration of gridiron and local culture. Where will the NFL Draft be held in 2026 after its stint in Titletown?
Which City Is Hosting Next Year’s NFL Draft?
Location: Pittsburgh’s North Shore, including Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park
Dates: April 23-25, 2026
Selecting a host city for the NFL Draft involves a competitive bidding process. Various cities submit proposals that are reviewed and voted on by the league’s 32 team owners.
Although the 2025 NFL Draft has not yet kicked off, the league has already announced the location for the 2026 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh has officially been chosen to host the 2026 NFL Draft next April.
The 2026 NFL Draft, the 91st annual meeting of the NFL, is set to return to its roots in the Steel City, where the first-ever draft took place back in 1936. This historic homecoming promises not just prospects’ selection but also a celebration of football and the city’s rich legacy. The Steel City has already begun its renovations and upgrades.
Pittsburgh officials are in Green Bay this week to learn the ins and outs of hosting the second-biggest football event and discover how to capitalize on the opportunity to spotlight their city on a national stage.
Throughout the three-day event, the whole city will come alive with a full lineup of NFL raft festivities, including concert series, community events, and, of course, the NFL Draft experience.
The NFL Draft Experience Over the Years
The Super Bowl may be the biggest sporting event in terms of TV ratings and overall hype, but the NFL Draft has emerged as a close second on the league’s calendar, especially in recent years.
While nowhere near Super Bowl Sunday, where an average of 127.7 million viewers tune in, the NFL Draft still captivates millions with its promise of potential and possibility.
Just last year, the first round of the NFL Draft had its best audience in three years, with over 12 million viewers tuning in. It was the most-watched first round since 2021 when 12.5 million people tuned in.
And that’s just the TV audience; hundreds of thousands crave the live experience, making the pilgrimage to the draft headquarters.
Detroit’s 2024 NFL Draft drew over 775,000 fans across the three-day event, with a Day 1 attendance of over 275,000, breaking attendance records. According to recent reports, 250,000 people will attend the draft this season in Green Bay.