Last week, Pennsylvania welcomed the NFL Draft to Pittsburgh’s North Shore, one of several major events planned this year in the Keystone State. Held April 23–25 at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park, the Draft offered more than an opportunity to showcase Pittsburgh as a premier sports destination. It delivered a significant economic boost to the region and the state, drawing visitors and viewers from around the world to the Steel City. Recognizing the economic opportunity the Draft presented for Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry hosted its April Board Meeting in western Pennsylvania to coincide with the event. This allowed Board Directors and PA Chamber members to participate in first-round Draft activities and experience firsthand the level of economic engagement, national attention, and energy generated by a marquee event of this scale. The PA Chamber’s marketing team was on the ground in Pittsburgh covering the Draft on our social media channels, highlighting the economic impact to Pennsylvania and showcasing the many reasons why Pittsburgh was chosen to host the event. Pittsburgh set the NFL Draft attendance record with 805,000 attendees over three days. Thursday set the single-day attendance record, with 320,000 fans packed outside Acrisure Stadium to watch the first round. That influx is projected to have generated between $125 million and $200 million in regional economic impact, with fans spending money on hotels, food and beverages, transportation, and entertainment. In anticipation of the global spotlight, Pittsburgh invested heavily in infrastructure and public spaces ahead of the Draft, including: A $1.47 million upgrade to Pittsburgh International Airport. The opening of Arts Landing Park along Penn Avenue and renovations to Market Square. Early activation of the iconic Point State Park fountain and fresh pavement on downtown roadways. Restaurants and hotels across the region experienced immediate and substantial benefits, and forecasters say the long-term economic impact could be even greater as investors see first-hand how Pittsburgh – and Pennsylvania – is a competitive destination for innovation, business growth, and future investment.