Latest news with #VisitPittsburgh
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The annual furry convention, Anthrocon 2025, returns to Pittsburgh this weekend
Downtown Pittsburgh is about to get a little fuzzier. Anthrocon 2025 has officially kicked off, and organizers say this year's convention is the biggest one yet. The popular furry convention, which celebrates anthropomorphic art and characters, is expected to draw a record-breaking 19,000 attendees over the weekend. For nearly two decades, Anthrocon has called Pittsburgh home. What started as a unique gathering has grown into a major event that fills hotels, restaurants, and streets with costumed characters, many with tails, paws, and claws. "There's so much to offer the world, and here we are to put it on display," said Dr. Samuel Conway, Anthrocon's longtime chairman. The weekend's festivities include a block party, the fursuit parade, and special events like a screening at the Harris Theater. It's all part of what organizers and city leaders describe as a vibrant and inclusive celebration. "For nearly two decades, we've had the privilege of hosting the celebration of creativity, individuality, and vibrant community spirit," said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of Visit Pittsburgh. So, what is a "Furry?" Still wondering what exactly a "furry" is? It's more than just wearing a cartoon-style suit. For many, it's a form of artistic expression and community. "Dreamers, we are people who create worlds, creatures, and also things in our minds," said Dr. Conway. Others say it helps them connect in ways they can't outside of the convention. "It's a great place for people with social anxiety or who don't make friends very easily to branch out and meet others," said Nelium the Snow Leopard. "For a lot of people, they're a little shy outside of a suit, so this helps them get out there and be more extroverted," added Zune the Wolf. How much do these costumes cost participants? Those fursuits don't come cheap, either. "Too much," said Zune, when asked about the price. "Mine was $2,500." Another attendee said theirs cost $4,100 before the pandemic, and prices have only gone up since then. While it may look like all fun and fur, the economic impact is very real. VisitPITTSBURGH estimates more than $21 million in visitor spending this weekend alone. Anthrocon runs through Sunday in and around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
CBS News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The furries are coming back to Pittsburgh in record numbers for this year's Anthrocon
The furries are coming back to Pittsburgh, with a record 19,000 attendees expected for this year's Anthrocon. More than 15,000 furries are pre-registered for the event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, VisitPittsburgh said in a press release Thursday. Registration is currently 90% sold out, and more furries are still expected. Over 12,000 total room nights are booked between 21 partner hotels Downtown, on the North Shore and in Station Square, according to VisitPittsburgh. The annual convention is expected to generate over $21.7 million in direct visitor spending. "It doesn't feel like Summer is officially upon us until the fursuiters take to the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh," Andy Ortale, the chief sales officer at VisitPittsburgh, said in a news release. "Every year, we take pride in partnering with Anthrocon organizers to cultivate meaningful community bonds and collaborations that deliver real, enduring benefits to our city." There's plenty of furry fun on the docket, including the fursuit parade, which will step off at 2 p.m. on July 5 at 10th Street near Fort Duquesne. There will also be a block party on Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets from noon until the evening. What is a furry? Anthrocon has been celebrating the furry fandom in Pittsburgh since 2006. What exactly is the furry fandom? Anthrocon explains on its website, saying it's "an artistic and literary genre that is practiced and enjoyed by tens of thousands worldwide. We count among our ranks professional sports mascots, animators, cartoonists, puppeteers, artists, illustrators, and writers, as well as those who simply think that it would be a wonderful thing if animals could walk or talk like we do." This year's Anthrocon is scheduled from July 3 through July 6. Everyone is welcome, no fursuit required.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Area hotels at capacity while welcoming golfers, spectators from around the world
The U.S. Open's historic 10th time at Oakmont Country Club means a ton of revenue for the Pittsburgh region and all of Western Pennsylvania. Jim Britt is the Vice President of Sports Events for Visit Pittsburgh. He says the USGA is anticipating more than 200,000 people coming into town and staying in area hotels for the championship. 'We'll see a really high occupancy across all of our hotels, and Downtown and surrounding areas are really feeling that impact,' Britt said. 'We're hearing that from all of our hoteliers.' That includes hotels by Pittsburgh International Airport, to the east in Greensburg and Latrobe and just off the Turnpike in Cranberry, Monroeville and Harmarville. Britt says the biggest impact, however, will be felt Downtown. We stopped by the Oaklander Hotel off of Fifth and Bigelow, right next to Pitt's Cathedral of Learning. Kelly Giger is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Oaklander. 'This property is 167 rooms,' Giger tells Channel 11. 'The average rate is going to start around $799 and go up from there.' Giger says they host players and groups from all around the country and when the U.S. Open gets underway, they'll be at capacity, which requires a lot of pre-planning. 'It's a lot of responsibility to ensure that they have a great stay,' Giger said. 'These golfers travel all over the world and experience luxury and that's what we thrive on. Making sure we're staffed, we have everything ready to go, the kitchen is ready for an influx of restaurant orders and the bar is fully ready to go.' It's also about standing out in a crowded field. After play has ended for the day, the bar will transform into a putting green. They'll offer hot dogs and a signature drink called 'The Turn.' It's a take on the U.S. Open's traditional Dewar's Lemon Wedge. From Oakmont to Oakland, it's a chance to highlight all that Pittsburgh has to offer. 'It's great recognition for the city,' Giger said. 'Everyone's putting their best foot forward and making sure everyone coming in is having a great time.' 'This is a world-class event,' Britt adds. 'The whole world will be looking at PGH for this week.' Even after the U.S. Open has ended, the work continues for the hotels. They're already planning for the 2026 NFL draft, which is expected to bring three to four times the number of people to town. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Pittsburgh unveils official 2026 NFL Draft countdown clock
Pittsburgh is officially on the clock for the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, the first visible step toward welcoming the NFL draft to Pittsburgh next year is standing tall on the North Shore Great Lawn. The Steelers, VisitPittsburgh and local officials on Monday unveiled the Steel City's 2026 NFL Draft countdown clock across from Acrisure Stadium. "Great day for Pittsburgh and one of we hope many great days to come over the next year," Steelers president Art Rooney II said. "It's here for all of us to count down the days, and create excitement, and to celebrate all things Pittsburgh together," said Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPittsburgh. As we all wait until the draft is here from April 23 through April 25, the large clock is the perfect backdrop for a selfie or group photo. The steel beam that holds up the clock is inspired by our iconic sister bridges. Bachar also said the design celebrates the people, places and traditions that truly make Pittsburgh special. "Along the beam, you'll find 212 engraved notches. One side represents the Western Pennsylvania high school football programs that continue to build our storied football legacy, and the other side showcases all of our 90 unique neighborhoods," Bachar said. Rooney shared his excitement with the community. He told KDKA-TV that they're staying in touch with the NFL. With a lot of teamwork underway, he believes the city will be ready to host the draft. "When we went on the clock at the end of the Green Bay draft, it started to come home that we were on the clock. This clock will remind everybody day in and day out, not only are we going to have a lot of fun, we have a lot of work to do over the next year," Rooney said. As the clock is counting down the seconds, Downtown Pittsburgh is getting a big makeover and preparations for hundreds of thousands of visitors are in full force. "I think my grandfather and my dad would be amazed that this many people were going to come to the North Shore, that's for sure. It would be exciting for them to be here," Rooney said. "The reason why it is so big, I believe, we'll get a million people in this region, a million people to come to our draft. It'll be the biggest one the NFL has ever seen," Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said. "The economic impact on our local community is expected to be $100 to $200 million in economic activity, which is incredible," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. That means every county in southwestern Pennsylvania, not just Allegheny County, is on the clock too. "Let's remember this is just the beginning. Together we will show the world what makes Pittsburgh the city of champions," Bachar said.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pittsburgh Expects Record-Breaking Crowd for 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh! Click for more coverage from the Steelers Now team. Pittsburgh expects the 2026 NFL Draft to be the biggest event in the city's history. As the rest of the NFL prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, the city of Pittsburgh is focused on hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to have a record-breaking crowd. VisitPittsburgh expects the 2026 NFL Draft to be the biggest event in the city of Pittsburgh's history. 'In just 13 short months, we will welcome between 500,000 to 700,000 visitors to the shores of Downtown Pittsburgh,' Jerad Bachar of VisitPittsburgh said. Advertisement Pittsburgh is doing whatever it takes to make the event a success, which includes sending a team of about 20 people to Green Bay, Wisconsin, next month. That will give them the oppportunity to see what works and what doesn't. 'This is a game-changer for our region and a defining moment for Pittsburgh,' Michele Meloy Burchfield of VisitPittsburgh said. While the Steelers are fully focused on this year's draft, they've done a lot of work to make sure next year's draft will be successful for them as well. The team has been very strategic in its moves this offseason. The Steelers let several free agents walk out the door that are expected to be countable for a compensatory draft pick slot. Advertisement According to Over the Cap, the Steelers are estimated to be eligible to receive a third-round pick for left tackle Dan Moore Jr., a fourth rounder for quarterback Justin Fields, a fifth or a sixth for running back Najee Harris, a sixth for guard James Daniels, a sixth for cornerback Donte Jackson and a seventh for linebacker Elandon Roberts. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who just signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, is also expected to net anywhere from a fifth- to third-round pick. The Steelers won't get all of those since they've signed other players and can't have more than four, anyway. But it seems like they're loading up to give themselves the ammo it'll take to land their next franchise quarterback in front of their home crowd. The 2026 quarterback class looks strong, led by Texas scion Arch Manning, Penn State's Drew Allar, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava.
