Sunny skies, varied activities and excited fans made Thursday, April 23, a perfect day to celebrate the unofficial start of the next NFL season.

Football fans far and wide came together in Pittsburgh’s North Shore neighborhood to celebrate the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Beyond just the first round of picks, Pittsburgh was converted into a playground for fans of any team. Activities, such as a 40-yard sprint and opportunity to kick a field goal, were offered to attendees.

While many were adorned in their favorite Steelers jersey, some took it a step further.

Torrey Poholsky walked the North Shore head-to-toe in Steelers gear, including a black and yellow striped suit jacket and pants with the logo plastered all over.

“Honestly, not to be pessimistic, I came in with pretty low expectations. I kind of thought I was just here out of (fear of missing out). The draft’s definitely a made for TV event, but I think the NFL’s done a great job,” he said.

He said the event has been fan-friendly and it’s clear how much Pittsburgh put into making the experience better.

With 12 picks planned and a new head coach, Poholsky said he thinks the draft will heavily affect the type of season the Steelers have. He said he had hopes some specific players would end up donning the black and gold.

“(Olaivavega) Ioane from Penn State, I would be through the moon if he fell to us. Otherwise, receiver-wise, I think we need to trade up for Makai Lemon. Or if Jordyn Tyson comes here, that’d be cool,” he said.

He said he hopes the Steelers don’t pick Ty Simpson as the next quarterback so they can avoid another “short, small-handed” quarterback.

“Tyler Simpson? No thank you. Sorry. Run on out of here. Ty, you aren’t welcome in Pittsburgh,” Poholsky said.

While the streets were dominated by black and yellow, fans came from across the country to watch the festivities and see their teams’ picks.

Damon Richardson, a Washington Commanders fan, and Derek Farrell, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, came to the event together from south Maryland — a five-and-a-half-hour drive.

The two entirely avoided parking costs thanks to the additional public transit available.

“We parked at the Airbnb. We took the T train in. It was a breeze,” Farrell said.

Richardson said the Commanders need players “all across the board” for the next season.

“I’d be happy with Sonny Styles if he’s there,” he said.

Richardson addedhe hopes Jayden Daniels, his “lord and savior,” has a better year in terms of injuries.

“I think the elbow was a noncontact, couple week injury. Our season was just a wash. There was no point in rushing him out there,” he said.

Farrell said he hopes the Buccaneers use the draft as a way to bolster their defensive line.

“Defense needs a lot of help, but that’s why we’re here today. Hopefully we get some good defensive picks out of these draft picks. Other than that, I just really wish we fired Todd Bowles,” he said.

Two attendees who were adorned in Chicago Bears merchandise, Chris and Christiana Connors, said they drove from their home in Davis Junction, Illinois, to get here.

“We traveled about 10-and-a-half hours from Illinois,” Chris Connors said.

They said they’ve enjoyed their time in the city so far.

“It’s been lots of fun,” Christiana Connors said. “Today is our first day here, so we’re just trying to figure out where everything’s located, how to get around the city easily. There’s lots of fans here.”

Chris Connors said he’s feeling good about the Bears in the upcoming season after having a good bounceback last season.

“I think we need to get some help on defense. The edge, the line, another safety, probably another receiver and we should be in pretty good shape,” he said.

He said he doesn’t have anyone particular in mind for the Bears’ picks.

“We’re picking 25th in the first round, so it’s just going to depend on who’s down there,” he said.

Thomas and Alenda Edin, dressed in their #12 fan Seattle Seahawks jerseys, said they flew in from Bellingham, Washington — about 20 miles from the Canadian border — to be at the draft. They said they find Pittsburgh beautiful.

“It’s nice and clean. There’s no spray paint. The thing we felt like is you can walk through the city and not get mugged. That’s nice,” Thomas Edin said.

He said he thinks there’s a chance the Seahawks could go back-to-back as Super Bowl champions this year.

“We’ll pick up another running back. We’ll probably get another lineman, maybe a tackle. We’re really not missing anything, so I think we’ll be good,” Thomas Edin said.

Regardless of team, every fan was excited to see what new players they’ll spend the next year rooting for.

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to continue through Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, for rounds two through seven.