PITTSBURGH — With just 29 days until the NFL Draft comes to Pittsburgh, city leaders say this will be the largest event the city has ever hosted — and they’re warning visitors to plan ahead.
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The biggest message from Wednesday’s press conference: don’t drive.
Officials say a large portion of the North Shore will be completely closed to traffic, making parking extremely limited and difficult to find.
“We want to carry as many people as possible using public transportation,” said Katharine Kellerman with Pittsburgh Regional Transit. “This is about moving a really large number of people efficiently and reliably over a short period of time.”
To handle the crowds, Pittsburgh Regional Transit plans to increase service on the light rail system. The Red and Blue lines will run every 15 minutes between the South Hills, Downtown, and the North Shore.
Additional buses will also run from park-and-ride locations across Western Pennsylvania, giving people options from multiple directions.
Still, officials are strongly discouraging anyone from driving to the event.
“Do not drive that week — and if you do, please don’t call me and complain,” Kellerman joked.
Organizers say even people who have never used public transit before should consider it.
“We know people are going to want to drive, and there will be some parking,” said Troy Schooley with P3R. “But we really encourage people to try transit — even for the first time. You might fall in love.”
There will also be major changes for pedestrians.
The direct walkway connecting Point State Park to the North Shore will be closed due to safety concerns.
“There’s a fan experience and red carpet at the Point, and with that many people moving between events, that pedestrian bridge just can’t handle the volume,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “People will need to use other bridges, like they would for a Steelers or Pirates game.”
Unlike major concerts on the North Shore — including events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour — officials say nearby parking lots and garages will not be available. Many roads will instead be closed to allow for large crowds to move safely on foot.
Click here for a list of roads that will close during the Draft.
City leaders say the goal is not only to get people to the Draft, but to encourage them to explore everything happening around it — including festivals, food, and live music throughout the city.
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