The last time Pittsburgh was busy preparing for the NFL Draft was in 1947, in two rooms with a rough number of 40 people in attendance at the Fort Pitt Hotel. Back then, the Drafts were almost kept a secret, where team owners would hide their picks from the press, and fans couldn’t even tell when the event was actually happening. Decades later, as Pittsburgh prepares to host its second draft, the event dates have been revealed a month earlier so that the city can function efficiently with minimal disruptions.

“Pittsburgh Public Schools will learn remotely from April 22 to 24 as the city hosts the NFL Draft,” reporter Mark Kaboly wrote on X. “Smart move. The city is expecting 800K downtown, so driving isn’t going to be an easy task.”

The move will help “reduce transportation challenges, minimize disruptions to school operations, and ensure students can continue learning safely and effectively.”

Students will learn online from April 22 to 24, just as the draft takes over Point State Park and the North Shore. However, the decision also brings challenges for families. Pittsburgh Public Schools will not offer backup options for parents who cannot stay home during these classes.

“We’ve provided more than a month’s time,” PPS spokeswoman Ebony Pugh said. “Hopefully, parents can find support in helping their students participate in remote learning.”

This isn’t the first time schools have changed schedules for the NFL draft. Last year, when Green Bay hosted the draft, schools closed from April 24 to 26. More than 360,000 people showed up, giving Pittsburgh an idea of what to expect.

Meanwhile, colleges in Pittsburgh are making different choices. Point Park University will switch to online classes from April 20 to 25, with some staff working from home. Duquesne University will continue in-person classes, while the Community College of Allegheny County will also move online for a few days.

However, a few schools are still weighing their options as the city continues its draft preparations with several improvements.

Point State Park upgrade boosts Pittsburgh ahead of the NFL Draft

Just last month, officials wrapped up a $3.4 million upgrade at Point State Park, giving downtown a fresh boost. Now, during the draft, visitors to the North Shore will find an improved area with great views of Mount Washington and nearby places like PNC Park and the Steelers’ stadium.

The work in the 36-acre park aimed to improve both its appearance and usability. The crew repaired old leaks in the park’s fountain and upgraded the lighting in important areas. They also enhanced the walkways and utilities, making the lawn, flag area, and parking spots feel brighter and safer.

Additionally, the landscaping is now cleaner, making the park more inviting for the large crowd expected in the city. Meanwhile, state officials made it clear that this is just the beginning.

“Point State Park is ready for next year’s major events, including the NFL Draft and celebrations for our nation’s 250th birthday,” Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a news release in January.

As the countdown to the draft continues, it will be interesting to see how the city continues to evolve and adapt.