Pittsburgh is hosting this year’s NFL Draft, and it’s gearing up for what’s expected to be one of the largest events in the city’s history.
In anticipation of a flood of visitors, and the possible obstacles that could accompany that kind of tourism, Pittsburgh Public Schools are planning to take instruction online. They’ll offer remote learning from April 22-24, while the draft will take place from April 23-25 at Point State Park and on the North Shore, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday.
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“Our priority is maintaining continuity of learning while recognizing the extraordinary circumstances the city will experience during the NFL Draft,” PPS superintendent Wayne Walters said in a statement, via the PG.
“Transitioning to asynchronous learning allows us to support students academically while helping families navigate the logistical challenges expected across the region.”
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When ESPN reached out to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy for a comment on that development, he reportedly said the league didn’t play a role in PPS’ decision.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the United States turned to remote learning to continue instruction safely. In the years since, some of those digital teaching techniques have still been deployed on occasion.
Green Bay held the NFL Draft last year, and, per the PG’s report, there were school districts in Wisconsin that shut down for the entire event or part of it.
On the other hand, Detroit’s public schools didn’t deviate from their norm in 2024 when the city hosted the draft, according to the PG.
PPS is acting out of caution, knowing an increase in traffic and other road restrictions are likely on the way, while attempting to preserve its academic calendar in a safe manner.
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The NFL Draft has been on the move since it was long held in New York City. It’s migrated to Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Detroit, Green Bay.
Pittsburgh’s up next.
