Pittsburgh: City of champions

Friday, 14 Feb, 2025 0

Confirmed as the host city for the NFL Draft 2026, and a new partnership forged with Dublin for the Steelers, Pittsburgh is a winning destination for sports enthusiasts.

It offers a rich history, passionate fan base, and diverse sports scene.

Known as the ‘City of Champions’ for its unparalleled parade of sports successes, did you know Pittsburgh is the only place in the US. to wear the same color for all its sports teams?

2025 is a packed year of sports in Pittsburgh, incorporating motoring, athletics, golf, baseball, ice-hockey and American Football.

Monster Jam (14-16 February)

Attend the most action packed motorsports event on four wheels, Monster Jam, as it returns to Pittsburgh in 2025. The signature trucks will perform their jaw-dropping stunts, where world-class athletes and their 12,000 lbs machines tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill at the PPG Paints Arena.

Swing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (April – September)

Every summer, sports fanatics should head to a famed Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park and watch the sun go down over the Pittsburgh skyline and Roberto Clemente Bridge. Nestled along the Allegheny River, PNC Park has one of the most beautiful views in baseball, paired with hours of sports action and entertainment. Guests should look out for the game cam for five minutes of fame and enjoy the giant pierogi races around the field in between rounds.

40th anniversary of The Pittsburgh Marathon (4 May)

Avid runners should be in Pittsburgh for the unofficial 40th anniversary of The Pittsburgh Marathon in May. With thousands of cheering spectators and live music, The Pittsburgh Marathon offers participants and spectators top views of the city’s iconic bridges, rivers, and skyline. The course blends urban streets with rolling hills, offering a satisfying challenge for runners of all levels.

US Open Championship returns to Pittsburgh for 125th anniversary (12-5 June)

The US Open Championship will be back in Pittsburgh in 2025 for a record tenth time hosted at the Oakmont Country Club, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the country. Celebrating the US Open’s 125th championship, the newly-renovated greens, enhanced fan experiences and exclusive tours will appeal to golfers, and their widows.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (10-13 July)

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP), celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2024, is the USA’s largest vintage street race and the only one staged on public roads. It’s considered by drivers to be the most challenging racecourse worldwide with its tight turns, elevation changes and natural obstacles including stone walls, curbs, manhole covers and telephone poles.

Cheer on the Steelers (September – January 2026)

Returning every autumn and one of the most recognised NFL teams in the world, Pittsburgh is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Named after their blue collar heritage, there’s no better time to wear the famed yellow and black memorabilia to cheer the team at the Acrisure Stadium.

Sports and Entertainment like never before (30 September)

2025 will see Pittsburgh hosting the National Sports Heritage Festival, a tribute to the city’s rich sports history and legendary teams. The new Pittsburgh Arena District promises an electric atmosphere with bars, restaurants, and live music surrounding PPG Paints Arena.

Pray for the Pittsburgh Penguins (October onwards)

For ice-hockey fans, the Pittsburgh Penguins offer top-tier NHL action at the PPG Paints Arena and there’s no better time to catch them than in February. With stars like Sidney Crosby and a history of Stanley Cup victories, the Penguins games are guaranteed to be all-action.

NFL Draft 2026 (23-25 April)

Ready to take center stage in 2026, the NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is set for spring, with elements of Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park, as well as the iconic Acrisure Stadium, serving as event sites.

For more information, visitpittsburgh.com Read the new visitors guide here.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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