PITTSBURGH — It’s been three months since Pittsburgh hosted a record-breaking NFL Draft. And now, we are getting an idea of just how much of an impact the event had on the local economy.
According to VisitPITTSBURGH, analysts found that the NFL Draft generated $177 million in economic impact throughout the Pittsburgh region.
“The NFL Draft created two extraordinary legacies for Pittsburgh,” said Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “The first was immediate—record visitation, economic activity and an unforgettable experience for hundreds of thousands of fans. The second is just beginning. The visibility, reputation and momentum generated over the past two years have fundamentally elevated how Pittsburgh is perceived around the world, creating opportunities that will benefit our tourism economy and our region for years to come.”
The economic impact was fueled by record attendance, visitor spending and overnight stays. The analysts said the city’s advantages included its walkable downtown, nationally recognized hospitality industry, iconic riverfront setting, proximity to more than half a dozen NFL markets and the enduring strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The analysts also found the event delivered more than $1.5 billion in economic value, which they say strengthens Pittsburgh’s national and international brand and positions the region to attract future visitors and major events.
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