The Fan Experience: Pittsburgh, PA

These days, sporting franchises are really leaning into the fan experience. They know that fans make up the core of the industry, and the opportunity to experience a connection to the team outside of regularly scheduled games, matches, and races has become much more prominent recently. As someone who would enjoy themselves at any competitive event, big or small, I love seeing how teams and franchises are creating new opportunities for fans to meet players, tour facilities, and make unique memories.

Bethany with Pittsburgh's six Lombardi Superbowl Trophies

While football is a fall sport, the season actually kicks off big-time in April with the widely televised and super hyped draft. A few years back, I traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to attend the draft party being held at the stadium. With the 2026 draft actually being held at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, here is everything you need to know to plan a trip around the National Football League Draft.

Bethany with iconic Head Coach Mike Tomlin photo

While main tickets for the draft experience are free, the best way to get the full VIP experience is by purchasing tickets or packages that allow you special access, great seats, merch, tailgates, food and drinks, and so much more. The draft experience is more than just the draft—there are concerts, activities, and something for everyone! This three-day event is more like a festival for football lovers than it is a draft. Tickets for this kind of experience sell out quickly, so it is important to stay tuned into the updates so you can be the first to know—I know I will be! If Pittsburgh feels too far and you have a home team closer to you, you can also look out for draft parties like the one I went to in Pittsburgh for the 2024 draft.

Bethany with terrible towel in the locker room

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city full of bridges, museums, and sports. The entire town lights up for their teams, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are more like an institution than a team. When you arrive from out of town for an experience like this, it is important to note that you will likely be staying in Downtown Pittsburgh, which is on the opposite side of the Allegheny River. While Downtown is an easy 15 to 20 minute drive to the stadium, you want to give yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium, accounting for traffic, parking, and walking up to the stadium.

Shot of the field in Acrisure Stadium

That being said, Downtown Pittsburgh has a lot of great options for hotels. I personally stayed in the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Downtown, which was super convenient and had a great outdoor seating area. We were walking distance from the Strip District Terminal for easy access to great food and shopping. We were also directly across the street from The Puttery, which was a super cute mini-golf experience that we absolutely took advantage of to fill our second day. While I love the Homewood Suites for convenience and proximity, I would also recommend a stay at The Industrialist hotel, which is a super sexy option more central to the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh.

I took this trip as a girls trip with some friends, but it could easily be a family trip, solo trip, or really any kind of trip for the fan!

Bethany with Steelers mascot, Steely McBeam

Traveling for sporting events is sometimes easier said than done, it can be hard to line up timing, ticketing, and transportation. For anything from the basic fan experience to the most premium fan experience, be aware of timelines, tickets, and the to-and-from! Don’t forget, every sports city is different and nuanced. For a great and seamless experience, hit that “Book with Bethany” button!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Pittsburgh page.