NFL Draft Day 2: Here’s where to find parking, how to avoid traffic

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Trying to get to the 2026 NFL Draft without breaking the bank on parking? You have options.

Day 1 of the draft in Pittsburgh broke an attendance record, per NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, with an estimated 320,000 fans in attendance to watch ahead of the first round and more expected throughout the weekend.

Some roads throughout the Downtown and North Shore area were blocked to traffic for the draft. Here’s what parking looks like on Day 2.

Where can I find parking near the 2026 NFL Draft?

For the best shot at finding a parking space, Visit Pittsburgh recommends parking in Downtown or Station Square parking garages, then using public transit to finish your route. They suggest taking the Pittsburgh Light Rail or the Gateway Clipper to the activities in the North Shore area.

Is there an app where I can track parking availability?

You can track parking availability through the ParkPGH app. There are also ways to reserve a spot ahead of time through platforms like Parking.com or ParkWhiz.

What is parking like on NFL Draft Day 2?

Social media users had mixed reports about traffic and parking on Day 2 of the NFL draft, though the general consensus was that rates had fallen from the prior day.

@DowntownPitt on X posted on April 24 morning that rates had gone down, announcing $25 parking in Forbes Garage Market Square and $30 parking in Oliver Street Garage.

“Ready for a great Day ✌️ with the #Draft in #PGH,” they said.

“This lot was 90 dollars yesterday!” said @MartyGriffinKD in an April 24 post on X, showing a picture of a sign that displayed a parking rate of $30. “NFL Draft parking downtown is a LOT cheaper today! A LOT”

@CoryCurtis2 also said parking was expensive on the first day, posting that he found places that were $200.

“So parking for the draft starts at about $200,” he said.

Others said it wasn’t as bad the first day as they had expected. @ThePoniExpress noted that both traffic and parking were manageable on Day 1 of the draft.

“It was smooth and easy getting down here for the draft,” @ThePoniExpress said. “Parking wasn’t that expensive. Traffic was manageable. Worst fears were exaggerated.”

What roads are closed during the 2026 NFL Draft?

The following roads are closed to vehicle traffic April 21-25 during the draft:

  1. Sproat Way
  2. North Shore Drive from Chuck Noll Way to Mazeroski Way
  3. Mazeroski Way
  4. West General Robinson Street
  5. Lacock Street
  6. I-279 southbound Exit 1B ramp
  7. Route 65 southbound ramp to Fort Duquesne Bridge
  8. Route 65 northbound ramp from Fort Duquesne Bridge
  9. T1 ramp from Reedsdale Street
  10. 6th Street Bridge, or the Roberto Clemente Bridge
  11. 7th Street Bridge, or the Andy Warhol Bridge
  12. Sixth Street
  13. Fort Pitt Bridge on-ramp from 10th Street Bypass
  14. Commonwealth Place
  15. Liberty Avenue Extension
  16. Penn Avenue from Stanwix Street to 9th Street
  17. Liberty Avenue/PPG Paints Arena Exit off Fort Pitt Bridge

Can I rent a bicycle to get to the draft?

There are multiple ways to rent a bicycle in Pittsburgh. You can find a bike throughout the city with the PBSC app, reserve a bike online through BikePittsburgh.com or reserve an electric bike through Pittsburgh Premium Bike Rentals’ website.

Where is the NFL Draft taking place in Pittsburgh?

Events scheduled during the NFL Draft will be split across the Allegheny River, with the Draft Theater and Main Stage on the North Shore in the area outside Acrisure Stadium, according to Visit Pittsburgh.

The NFL Draft Experience, a free fan festival, will take place at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Do I need tickets to attend the 2026 NFL Draft?

It’s free to attend the draft, but attendees must register for free access to the draft campus ahead of time through the NFL OnePass app or on the NFL’s website.

What time does NFL Draft Day 2 start?

The second round of the NFL Draft will kick off at 7 p.m. ET, with Round 3 following afterward.

Where can I watch or stream the NFL Draft?

Multiple channels will broadcast the draft, including NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The draft will be available for streaming on NFL+.

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: Here’s how to find parking, avoid traffic on NFL Draft 2026 Day 2