Pittsburgh is about to shine brighter than a freshly polished Lombardi Trophy. As the city prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, a spectacular tribute to its unparalleled football legacy will illuminate the Downtown skyline.
From April 23rd through the 25th, a massive light projection will transform the façade of the Wyndham Hotel into a dynamic canvas each night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., with prime viewing from Point State Park. This isn't just any light show; it's a high-tech homage to the heart of football.
The display will brilliantly weave together the future and past of the game. It will spotlight the top prospects of the 2026 draft class, celebrate Western Pennsylvania's rich Hall of Fame heritage, and honor the Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary history—from the six Super Bowl victories to the iconic Steel Curtain defense. Fans can even follow along with real-time "On the Clock" updates for each team's pick.
Powered by an impressive array of 24 laser projectors, the show will deliver a stunning 768,000 lumens of light across a 41,000-square-foot projection surface. It's a fittingly grand spectacle for a city built on steel and football greatness.
Beyond the lights, the NFL is ensuring the city's artistic spirit is part of the celebration through collaborations with two local talents. Mixed-metal artist Kim Fox is crafting a special installation for the Player Walkway, embedding hidden symbols for all 32 NFL cities into her work. Meanwhile, renowned pop artist and Pittsburgh native Burton Morris is creating a 32-piece installation for the Prospect Green Room, using his signature 'energy lines' to showcase team colors on a steel frame—a perfect nod to the city's industrial roots.
As the NFL's Marissa Solis stated, the goal is to bring Pittsburgh to life through art and storytelling. This fusion of cutting-edge technology, local artistry, and deep sports history promises to make the draft weekend an unforgettable experience, celebrating not just the next generation of NFL stars, but the enduring legacy of the city that helped shape the game.