Nataley Davis | staff writer

Duquesne students received an email on Feb. 26 stating that classes will remain in-person during the week of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

The multi-day event at Acrisure Stadium in the North Shore will take place from April 23-25, and event organizers estimate that the city could host more than 500,000 visitors over those days.

The email said the decision reflects the university’s priority for students to be learning on campus and having access to resources during the last stretch of the semester.

“Students, faculty and staff who face challenges getting to campus should contact their faculty members, deans or supervisors — directly and as soon as possible — to work out arrangements if they encounter issues,” the email states.

It continues to assure students that the university will stay in communication about any updates in transportation barriers and accommodations as the event draws closer.

Sophomore Michael Shaker, who commutes from Cranberry Township, said that although this decision will likely add time to his commute, he understands why it’s important to be in-person, and he is willing to adapt.

“It’s gonna be really, really busy, and so there’s probably gonna be a lot of traffic, and I have 8 a.m’s every day, so I would have to even wake up earlier just to get here on time,” Shaker said. “It’s a little bit frustrating, but it’s fine. I could probably deal with it.

Sophomore Khadijah Kouyate, who commutes from Oakland, said that while she is excited to be near the action in the city, she was disappointed by the university’s decision.

“I thought it was horrendous. I was like, ‘Why would they let us come in this madness?’” Kouyate said. “We’re literally right under the Liberty Tunnel and people are gonna be using that way to get Downtown, to Acrisure Stadium … It’s going to be so hard to get here.”

Gabriel Welsch, vice president of marketing and communications, said in an email to The Duke that this decision was thoroughly reviewed and reflects the importance of an open and accessible campus.

“We’ve been in regular conversations with city partners, and the guidance continues to show that most draft-related disruptions will be centered near the stadium and Downtown,” Welsch said. “We recognize some people may feel the impact more than others, so building in some extra travel time is a good idea.”

Point Park University decided to move classes to a remote model during the week of the NFL Draft.

Nataley Davis can be reached at davisn5@duq.edu