PITTSBURGH — Parking could be harder to find and more expensive during the NFL Draft weekend in Pittsburgh.
A Pittsburgh councilmember is proposing a bill that would temporarily raise the price of street parking on the North Side and downtown to help manage demand and support enforcement during the busy weekend.
Less than a month before the draft, preparations are already underway.
Some drivers say they are planning ahead and avoiding the congestion altogether.
Frederick Johnson, of California, Pennsylvania, said his car won’t be anywhere near the activities.
“Well, knowing that parking is going to cost that much, probably use public transit. Probably park a little further away,” Johnson said.
Private lots have already set stiff prices.
Rivers Casino is charging $250 per day, or $500 for four days, according to their website.
Other garages are listing rates of $100 or more a day during the NFL Draft.
“When I saw what the casino is charging, I was ready to put someone in my front yard,” said North Shore resident Dan Strinkoski.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilman Bobby Wilson, who oversees District One, proposed increasing street parking rates to $5 an hour on the North Side and Downtown Pittsburgh.
He said the goal is to balance parking operations.
“Kind of keep order to raise some funds for the additional staff that’s needed to get out there and inspect who’s staying longer than they should,” said Wilson.
Wilson also hopes drivers take advantage of the Pittsburgh Parking Authority’s public garages, where parking is expected to cost at least $40 a day during the draft.
“We want to make sure that we are moving those people into those spaces to park and not trying to park their car in a metered spot for three or four days,” Wilson explained.
Some streets on the North Side would be exempt, including East Ohio Street, Middle Street and James Street, as well as California Avenue and Perrysville Avenue.
While the proposal is not meant to discourage people from driving, some people we spoke to recommend other options.
“You are better off staying at a hotel and taking the subway, take the T”, said Strinkoski
If approved, the temporary changes would be in effect from April 22 through April 27, 2026.
Parking violations during that time would cost $120.
City council is expected to take a final vote on the proposal on Tuesday, April 7.
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