PIT’s New Terminal Center Stage as NFL Draft Nears

As Pittsburgh takes center stage globally this week with the NFL Draft, the new Pittsburgh International Airport helps travelers understand the region as soon as they step off the plane.

PIT’s new terminal is serving as the front door to thousands of people who may never have traveled here before—and first impressions matter, officials said.

“Airports like PIT can communicate that the region is welcoming, organized, and professional,” said Bijan Vasigh, professor at Embry-Riddle University and a leading expert on the airline industry. “Clean facilities, friendly staff, and clear signage signal hospitality, while local art, food options and event branding showcase the city’s culture, identity and pride. Overall, the airport can convey whether the region is modern, vibrant, and prepared to host large-scale events like the NFL Draft.”

On Monday, elected officials and community leaders officially kicked off NFL Draft week, unveiling a mock draft stage complete with a podium for arriving visitors to pose with for photos.

“This region and its airport have been preparing for a moment like this for over a decade, aligning infrastructure and experience to support large-scale global events,” Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis said. “We are sending a message saying that we are open for business and that we are ready to lead on a global stage.”

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said many visitors for the Draft will be visiting for the first time and the airport is a key first impression.

“This will be the largest event this region has ever hosted and the economic benefits and regional impact are massive,” Innamorato said.

When planning for the new terminal began more than a decade ago, officials aimed to build an airport that represented the thriving Pittsburgh region of today while improving the travel experience for both passengers and airline partners. Wider security checkpoints, improved baggage systems and consolidated operations were incorporated to enhance the passenger experience and minimize delays during peak travel periods.

But beyond logistics, the terminal was also designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s identity. From nature, technology and community to incorporating local materials, public art, and partnerships with regional food vendors and businesses, the new terminal offers visitors an immediate sense of place upon arrival.

An airport sends powerful first impressions to visitors through its design, efficiency and atmosphere, especially during events like the NFL Draft, which draws millions of viewers and extensive media coverage. For many attendees, their experience at the airport sets the tone for their perception of the region, Embry-Riddle’s Vasigh said.

“The capabilities of PIT, passenger capacity, and operational efficiency are key factors considered by national and international organizers,” Vasigh said.

With Pittsburgh increasingly selected to host high-profile events such as the NFL Draft, NCAA championships and the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, leaders say it’s important the impressions PIT makes matches that of Pittsburgh as a city on the rise.

Dan Rooney, Director of Business Development & Strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers, agreed and has said the airport played a key role in bringing the NFL Draft to Pittsburgh.

“When we were talking to the NFL Commissioner and the NFL on why Pittsburgh,” Rooney said, “the new airport was a key piece of that conversation. It is also a part of a lot of our other efforts as well.”

VisitPITTSBURGH CEO Jerad Bachar says his organization is also touting the new terminal in pitches to other major national and international events.

“It’s one of the many pieces that we have when selling the region.” Bachar said. “But is one of the most important because it the first and last impression convention and event planners have about the region.

“Visitors can get a sense of who and what we are,” Bachar said. “And not only will this attract new conventions and businesses, this positive experience improves overall visitor satisfaction, which influences whether events return.”

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor is excited that the new airport opened in time for the draft and what it will say to the thousands of visitors coming through during draft week.

“We want everybody to see the brand new airport, and obviously Franco,” O’Connor said. “But also, the warm welcome visitors are going to get from the people who work at the airport is also important. Because it is not just selling an airport during draft week. It is selling the City of Pittsburgh for the future.”

Representative Valerie Gaydos who grew up near the airport and whose district contains the airport is also excited what the airport and draft will say about the region.

“We are incredibly proud of hosting this event [NFL Draft],” said Representative Gaydos. “It is really going to showcase what a great city we are.”

Kathleen Madonna-Emmerting, District One Representative on the Allegheny County Council summed up the new airport’s role succinctly at the NFL Draft Kick Off press event on April 20.

“The NFL Draft starts here,” Madonna-Emmerting said.