Rapper Nelly headlines Draft Opening Night Party with concert at Plaza at North Shore The official NFL Draft opening party at The Plaza at North Shore in Pittsburgh drew a large crowd on Wednesday night, with rapper Nelly as the headliner. The event, held at the newly opened venue, marked the start of the NFL Draft festivities. Nelly’s performance, which lasted just over a half-hour, featured a mix of his early 2000s hits, blending nostalgia with the vibrant atmosphere of the crowd. Doors opened at 6 p.m., and attendees arrived steadily as the sun set. The outdoor venue was filled with Pittsburgh Steelers fans and supporters of other NFL teams, including Vikings, Jets, Chiefs, and Dolphins jerseys. The crowd danced to a DJ’s set of classic and modern hits, such as “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock and “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe, alongside newer tracks. Early on, fans performed the Dougie and sang along to familiar songs. As darkness fell, anticipation for Nelly’s performance grew. Mayor Corey O’Connor took the stage shortly after 9:30 p.m. to welcome the crowd, expressing excitement for the NFL Draft and the week ahead. He handed the microphone to Herky Pollock, founder of Legacy Hospitality Partners, who emphasized the significance of the event before introducing Nelly. The rapper took the stage around 9:45 p.m., answering the question posed in his opening song, “Where the Party At?” with a performance that showcased his signature energetic flow and melodic style. Nelly’s set included a mix of his most iconic tracks. The DJ played a crucial role in maintaining the momentum, transitioning between songs and adjusting the beats. The performance began with “E.I.,” featuring the elongated “oh-ohhhhs” that became a hallmark of his early hits.#pittsburgh #rapper_nelly #plaza_at_north_shore #mayor_corey_oconnor #legacy_hospitality_partners
