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NFL draft may end with a bang (but not the kind Colts fans in Pittsburgh want)

What to expect.
A young Indianapolis Colts fan celebrates
A young Indianapolis Colts fan celebrates | Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All Indianapolis Colts fans, just like every NFL fanbase, look forward to the league's draft every year. That is the time when new fan-favorites might be made with new players being chosen. If an Indy fan is going to Pittsburgh this year, though, one needs to be prepared.

And being prepared has nothing to do with who is being taken in the draft, but rather, how wet one might get while watching the event take place. Take your rain gear with you, though you should be able to avoid thunder and lightning.

Day 1, which takes place on Thursday, of course, should be clear and relatively warm, with highs near 80 and temperatures falling into the mid-to-upper 50s by the evening. In other words, when the draft is taking place, beginning at 8 pm ET, it will be cooler.

Indianapolis Colts fans going to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL draft should be prepared for rain

On Friday, Day 2 of the draft, is when the troubles start. While it will get into the lower 80s during the day, by the afternoon, chances of rain pick up. The draft is held on the outside of Acrisure Stadium and spreads to Point State Park. Some areas might be covered, but make no mistake that the draft will be held outside.

After two days of the draft taking place in the evening, Day 3 on Saturday begins at 12 pm and will run close to 6 pm. According to AccuWeather, there is a 90 percent chance of rain, and temperatures will hover in the late 60s.

In other words, if you plan on sticking around for all three days of the draft, buying merchandise, and cheering on new Colts players, then expect to be rained on. Maybe you can find a dry spot, but have your poncho ready. Maybe there will be some mud around to slide around in. Make it a fun time.

As for the 2026 NFL draft, it will look like this:

  • Thursday, April 23: First round beginning at 8 pm ET with eight minutes in between picks
  • Friday, April 24: Second and third rounds beginning at 7 pm ET with seven minute between picks in round two and five minutes between selections in round three
  • Saturday, April 25: Fourth through seventh rounds beginning at 12 pm ET with five minutes between choices in rounds 4-6, and four minutes between picks in the seventh round
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