The Strip District Celebrates the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft 2026, a three-day event April 23 through 25, is coming to Pittsburgh, and businesses and organizations in the Strip District are making Draft-related plans to accommodate local fans and the more than 500,000 visitors expected to swarm the city.

The Senator John Heinz History Center (1212 Smallman St.) is a central hub for football history and fan activity. A VisitPittsburgh Welcome Center is now located there, expanded with a new wing to accommodate increased tourism. In conjunction with the NFL Draft period, there are kiosks at the welcome center that can help visitors curate their stay in Pittsburgh. (On the North Shore, the Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located in the area outside Acrisure Stadium, a natural amphitheater. A free fan festival—the NFL Draft Experience—will be held at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh.)

The Roaming Bean (1455 Smallman St.), a mobile coffee truck, was selected as an official vendor for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. They will have multiple mobile coffee trucks at the Draft venues and throughout the city. The owner, Penny Folino, also recently opened a brick-and-mortar coffee shop in the Strip on Smallman Street. The Roaming Bean is known for their unique lattes, classic espresso drinks, and food items. This business was the only one from the Strip District that was selected to participate at the NFL Draft locations.

Al Mikita, store manager at Yinzers in the Burgh (2127 Penn Ave.), has announced that they will have official NFL merchandise such as licensed clothing, their own designed t-shirts “geared toward the Draft,” and other novelties such as beer koozies and more. More inventory will be coming in daily and Al anticipates a lot of customers from out of state. “Visitors always want Pittsburgh merchandise,” says Mikita.

In addition, many other Strip businesses have come up with ways to show their support of the NFL Draft in April, with specials and related offers.
Steel City Salt’s John Tarallo will be in his usual spot in the Strip (near Mon Aimee Chocolat) all three days during the Draft. The store in Millvale (206 Grant Ave.) will be open as well. They have a new seasoning blend called Yinzer Dust that they will be showcasing among all their other popular salts, sugars, and gift items.

Peace, Love and Little Donuts (50 21st St.) will have their popular sprinkle donuts, which are made fresh daily. These will include icings and sprinkles related to various NFL team colors.

Jerome Turner of 4J Imports/Leggings Boutique will be a sidewalk vendor on Penn Avenue near Roland’s (or on 21st St. near Pamela’s) for the Draft. 4J specializes in custom-made leggings of various teams. Jerome helps customers select items of their city or favorite sports team.

With close proximity to the NFL Draft campus, easy access from major corridors, and a reputation as a must-visit destination on Smallman Street, The Terminal—with its array of year-round events and unique mix of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options—will be welcoming both locals and visitors who are eager to experience the energy surrounding April’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Denise S. Artman writes for The Strip! and contributes her popular “Faces in the Crowd” interview-and-photo section. Her photographs can be viewed at various craft and art shows in the Pittsburgh area.