Pittsburgh, PA – With less than 50 days to go, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) continue to actively engage in collaborative strategic planning and coordination efforts to ensure the 2026 NFL Draft is safe and secure. The large-scale event on April 23-25 is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Pittsburgh area.
Since last year, PSP, PEMA, and DCNR have worked tirelessly alongside their federal, state, and local safety partners to develop security plans, coordinate traffic management tactics, conduct risk assessments, and participate in interagency exercises, designed to strengthen response capabilities.
The safety of everyone attending the NFL Draft is our number one priority. Over the past several months, we have collaborated closely with our local, state, and federal partners to assess potential risks and threats, and to develop a comprehensive security plan," said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "We are committed to ensuring that the NFL Draft is a safe and enjoyable event for all attending fans, residents, and visitors to the Commonwealth. We also encourage everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement."
Planning initiatives have included joint meetings, walkthroughs of event spaces, information sharing, and scenario-based training to address a wide range of potential situations. Public safety is the Shapiro Administration’s top priority, as it works to ensure Pennsylvania is ready to host several high-profile events this year that are expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth.
Over the last several months, PEMA has been coordinating planning efforts both within the agency and across partner state agencies to ensure that commonwealth assets are ready in advance of the NFL Draft,” said Randy Padfield, Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. “We stand ready to provide any state support and resources that local officials may need for this significant event.”
In 2024, Governor Shapiro announced a major collective effort of nearly $600 million to improve Downtown Pittsburgh and revitalize the neighborhood as a thriving center for economic growth, culture, and industry.
Partners from across Western Pennsylvania in public and private sector have made significant progress turning the Golden Triangle into a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant neighborhood for all -- reducing homelessness encampments and providing supportive services for unhoused residents, building more affordable housing units, cleaning more than 3 million square feet of sidewalks and alleyways, hiring more police officers, and reducing homicides and violent crime.
An event like this is the definition of a team effort,” said Christopher Kearns, Superintendent of the Allegheny County Police. “We continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners, and we look forward to helping make the NFL Draft a safe and secure experience for the residents of Allegheny County and our visitors.”
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) completed initial upgrades in January to Point State Park months ahead of schedule, and Governor Shapiro secured $10 million to support the NFL Draft in the 2025-26 budget.
Millions of visitors experience the beauty of Point State Park each year, and we are excited for the opportunity to share this special place with those coming to Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Point State Park has long been a gathering place for large events, and our team is experienced in managing crowds while prioritizing the safety of visitors. As we welcome fans from across the country, we’re proud to showcase not only a well-run event space but also the park’s rich history, scenic rivers, and opportunities to connect with nature right in the heart of the city. We are working closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the events at the Point are fun, safe, and successful for everyone.”
Additionally, real-time safety alerts and NFL Draft information updates, including road closures, traffic incidents, and venue closings, will be shared in coordination with the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department across multiple platforms. Be sure to follow @PSPTroopBPIO on X for these updates.
For reporting tips related to terrorism, fugitives, or human trafficking, you can contact the following: PSP Tips: 1-888-292-1919, email: tips@pa.gov, and the See Something, Send Something phone app to report suspicious activity.