The 2026 NFL Draft, one of the largest sporting events in the country, was held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, 2026. Geneva College students had the opportunity to experience it firsthand through volunteer efforts. Students assisted with access control, gate monitoring, and bag checks throughout the three-day event on the city’s North Shore, helping welcome the record-breaking crowds.

Geneva students gained a firsthand understanding of the event’s scale, the many organizations involved, and Pittsburgh's impressive hospitality efforts.

According to the NFL, more than 805,000 fans attended the draft across three days, surpassing the previous attendance record set in Detroit in 2024. More than 320,000 fans attended opening night alone, creating an energetic atmosphere unlike anything many of the students had experienced before.

“The students approached the opportunity with a learning mindset,” says Craig Crow, PhD, professor of sport management. “It provided them with a firsthand look at the coordination and hospitality required for an event of this scale.”

Students attendees included Brian Burchfield ‘29, Caleb Romano ‘27, Abby Stover ‘27, Brice Findley ‘29, Lukas Waltonbaugh ‘29, Nathanael Mack ‘26, and Abe Caro ‘25. Mikey Norman ‘28, a first-year accounting major, also volunteered independently after hearing about the opportunity through one of Crow’s classes.

For many students, the experience offered valuable exposure to careers in sports and event operations.

Mikey says the experience combined his longtime love of football with the chance to meet new people and gain professional experience.

“As a Steelers fan, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I got to meet a lot of great people and make connections while being part of such a huge event.”

During the draft, Mikey worked in several fan engagement areas, including youth football activities and guest assistance stations where volunteers answered questions and directed visitors throughout the venue. He also had the opportunity to interact with former Steelers players, even getting them to sign an NFL draft ball he was gifted for excellence in volunteering, and fans from across the country.

For Brian, a sport management and business major, the event reinforced his interest in the sports industry he hopes to join professionally.

“The first day I got to work the X-ray machine, which was pretty cool. The second day I was working between the VIP entrance and one of the main entrances, so I got to see a lot of the ESPN personalities I usually only see on TV.”

For Geneva students, the NFL draft experience provided an exciting event as well as practical experience in event operations, customer service, and large-scale hospitality — skills that align closely with Geneva’s commitment to preparing students for fruitful careers and service.