PITTSBURGH — Law enforcement agencies say they are both excited and on edge as Pittsburgh prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, with security at the center of the planning effort.
>>> Pittsburgh NFL Draft: What you need to know <<<
Officials from local, state and federal agencies outlined how they will coordinate to keep hundreds of thousands of visitors safe during the multi-day event.
“We know this is our chance to shine. We know this is our chance to tell the Pittsburgh story to a bigger audience than we’ve ever been able to before,” said Jerad Bachar, CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH.
That spotlight comes with heavy coordination. Authorities say agencies will work in sync, sharing information in real time and deploying resources across land, air and water.
“You will see drones, K-9 teams, mounted patrol, bicycle officers, tactical teams, maritime units,” said Commander Anthony Palermo, chief of staff for Pittsburgh Police.
The FBI’s Pittsburgh office said there is no specific or credible threat targeting the draft at this time.
The agency will set up three command posts inside the draft zone to monitor activity and share intelligence.
“FBI agents are going to literally stand shoulder to shoulder on Coast Guard cutters, on boats, on the streets, and monitoring drone activity so there’s no delay in information,” said Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh office.
Security will also extend to the city’s waterways.
The U.S. Coast Guard plans to establish a security zone along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, stretching from the area near Rivers Casino to the Roberto Clemente Bridge.
Only law enforcement, Coast Guard vessels and approved partners will be allowed inside that zone.
On land and in the air, restrictions will also tighten. Officials say a temporary no-fly zone will expand to a two-mile radius starting Thursday morning.
Crowd control is another major focus.
The NFL warns that entry into certain areas could take longer than expected.
“Getting into certain areas may take longer than expected. At times, we may temporarily pause entry into specific locations and redirect you to a different entry,” said Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s chief security officer.
Officials are urging anyone attending the draft to review the list of prohibited items in advance using the NFL One Pass app before heading downtown.
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