A ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly redesigned Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh ahead of the NFL Draft. The $15 million project was developed by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) and supported by investments from businesses, nonprofits, local government, and the state.
Opening just as Pittsburgh begins to welcome hundreds of thousands of sports fans at Point State Park and across Downtown for the NFL Draft, the redesigned Market Square preserves its historic character while transforming the space into a more accessible, flexible, and connected public space.
“Market Square is back and ready to welcome millions of visitors each year as the most active public space in Downtown Pittsburgh,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “From wider walkways to the new pavilion, every detail was designed to make this a more welcoming, flexible space for daily life and major events alike.”
The redesigned Market Square now features upgraded infrastructure, improved pedestrian pathways, enhanced lighting, expanded outdoor dining areas, new seating, and a new central pavilion which will serve as a flexible focal point for year-round programming.
In 2024, visitors to the Pittsburgh region contributed more than $9.4 billion to the local economy.
“Market Square brings residents and visitors alike to the heart of Downtown to celebrate our city and support our small businesses,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. “This project isn’t just for the Draft, it’s about carrying Market Square’s legacy forward and modernizing it for the next generation of Pittsburghers.”
“Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and all the project partners that completed this remarkable Market Square transformation under such a tight timeline,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Downtown is the heart of our region, and an improved Market Square that is ready for year-round activation is an important upgrade for the community as we move forward with Downtown’s next chapter.”
Each year, Market Square welcomes more than three million visitors ― supporting 49 businesses, like the Original Oyster House, and hosting more than 250 events annually.
“Market Square only works when people choose to spend time here, and these improvements provide a chance to hold more events, bring in new ideas, and give people more reasons to come downtown — which means more opportunity for small businesses like ours,” said Jen Grippo, Owner of The Original Oyster House. “At the end of the day, this is about bringing people together. We are so proud to be here and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
