PITTSBURGH (April 23, 2026) – University of Pittsburgh Athletics, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and CLC, the university’s exclusive brand licensing company, are coming together to host Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing, a free, three-day celebration from April 23–25 to connect fans to the legacy of Pitt football when the city hosts the NFL Draft.
Located in the Cultural District’s newest 4-acre gathering space just steps away from Draft activities, Pitt Block Party blends football, entertainment, and community activities, with something for everyone from die-hard football fans to anyone looking to experience the excitement of the city in a fun-filled environment. The immersive activation includes:
Pitt Legacy Hall, a marquee feature of the Block Party, showcases Pitt’s deep history of developing NFL talent, with a specific focus on the region. Fans will experience custom murals of Pitt Pro Football Hall of Famers , featured displays of greats like Hugh Green and Larry Fitzgerald, photo opportunities with trophies and other brand activations designed to engage fans through unique storytelling that brings Pitt’s football legacy to life.
“We’re excited to partner with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and CLC to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our fans during the 2026 NFL Draft,” Pitt Athletic Director Allen Greene said. “Hosting the NFL Draft is a tremendous moment for the city of Pittsburgh, and the Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing gives our community a dynamic, family-friendly alternative option to be part of the action away from the North Shore. From honoring the rich legacy of Pitt Football and its impact on the NFL to showcasing the energy of our city’s Cultural District, this event demonstrates that we are proud of our tradition, connected to our community, and excited about the future.”
“From the history-rich Pitt Legacy Hall to the curated collection of unique merchandise offered only at the event, we are excited to help our partners at Pitt Athletics tell the story of Pitt’s legacy and connect fans to the renowned Pitt brand,” said Nicole Armentrout, SVP of Marketing for CLC.
The Pitt Block Party is open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25. Admission is free for all ages.
For more information, visit pittsburghpanthers.com.
About Pitt Athletics
Pitt Athletics represents a tradition of excellence built on competitive success, championship aspirations and a proven commitment to student-athlete development. Across its programs, Pitt continues to compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics in the Atlantic Coast Conference while preparing student-athletes to succeed in competition, in the classroom and beyond graduation.
That culture of success is exemplified by Pitt Football, one of the nation’s premier brands with 31 NFL Draft picks since 2015, including 20 selections in the last five years alone. Pitt’s legacy is equally strong, with 11 Pro Football Hall of Famers—tied for third-most all-time among college programs—including legendary names such as Dan Marino, Larry Fitzgerald, Aaron Donald and Tony Dorsett. Pitt Athletics’ historic tradition and modern momentum continues to elevate the Panthers on a national stage.
About Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is one of the nation’s premier arts presenters and a major catalytic influence in Pittsburgh, having overseen one of the city’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts-lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Cultural Trust presents an array of quality performing and visual arts, provides comprehensive educational experiences, and stewards Pittsburgh’s Cultural District as a national model of economic revitalization through the arts. Lauded as “the single greatest creative force in Pittsburgh,” the Cultural Trust has worked to make Pittsburgh a place where the arts can flourish. The 14-block Cultural District, a project of the Cultural Trust, has become a vibrant center for culture, art, food, and community in downtown Pittsburgh, providing a home for a broad range of performance groups and resident companies. Approximately one million people visit the Cultural District each year, generating nearly $200M in economic impact for the region.
About Arts Landing
Arts Landing, a new four-acre outdoor civic space envisioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, promises to be one of the most transformative projects in the Cultural District in 25 years. The creatively designed and community focused destination will welcome residents and visitors, host festivals and performances, exhibit public art, and provide opportunities for everyday recreation and relaxation. Arts Landing will feature a one-acre Great Lawn, a permanent stage and canopy, downtown’s first playground, a visitor center, garden walk, flexible space, and recreation opportunities. The $31M civic space is a key part of the Downtown Revitalization Vision announced by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, and Urban Redevelopment Authority and Governor Shapiro’s 10-year $600-million-dollar plan to rejuvenate Downtown Pittsburgh.
About CLC
CLC is the nation’s leading collegiate trademark licensing and marketing company, representing nearly 800 collegiate brands, including universities, conferences, bowls, the NCAA, the College Football Playoff, the Heisman Trophy, and other top collegiate properties. With a network of over 4,000 licensed manufacturers and relationships with more than 100,000 national, regional, and local retailers nationwide, the company is uniquely positioned to deliver fan connections and brand visibility for institutions through data-driven, customized solutions that include impactful licensed merchandise strategies and innovative marketing platforms to navigate the ever-evolving consumer and retail marketplace. Founded in 1981, CLC is a part of Learfield, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics.
Media Contacts:
Tammy Purves, CLC, tammy.purves@clc.com, 770-799-3275.