AFSCME Ensures Smooth Operations at Record-Breaking 2026 NFL Draft

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft brought excitement and celebration to Pittsburgh, drawing over 800,000 fans and shattering previous attendance records. Despite the massive influx of visitors, the city managed to maintain order and safety, thanks largely to the efforts of AFSCME Council 13 members.

AFSCME members played crucial roles both in the public eye and behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly. Dana Murphy, a representative from AFSCME Local 2719, was stationed at the Greyhound bus station as a draft "ambassador." Her mission was to greet visitors and help them navigate the city safely. "Everyone was very friendly," Murphy, a Pittsburgh native, remarked about the diverse crowd she encountered.

In addition to welcoming guests, other AFSCME members managed parking logistics, ensuring ample city-wide parking. Craig Sipple, who works with the Department of Permits, Licensing and Inspection, oversaw the infrastructure necessary for the Draft. His duties included reviewing construction, safety, and engineering documents to ensure all structures met code requirements. This responsibility spanned iconic locations such as the main stage outside Acrisure Stadium and venues across the North Shore and Market Square.

Vendor compliance was another critical area Sipple's team handled. They ensured each vendor was insured and complied with health and local regulations. "It was definitely an all hands-on-deck situation," Sipple explained, highlighting the collaborative effort and quick pace required to keep everything on track.

Traffic management during the event fell to Ed Hart and his team from Local 2266, who work for PennDot Tunnels. Their objective was to maintain traffic flow and swiftly address any breakdowns. The city's emphasis on public transportation led to lighter-than-usual traffic, reminiscent of the early COVID-19 days, Hart noted humorously, "Thursday afternoon was like a Sunday morning. I went home disappointed—happy, but disappointed."

Several other AFSCME locals contributed significantly to the Draft's success, working tirelessly to ensure everything functioned seamlessly. While the NFL Draft may have been the spotlight, it was the dedicated efforts of Team AFSCME that truly made the event a triumph for Pittsburgh.