The number of drone incursions at stadiums is on the rise ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, according to Dedrone, a leader in smart airspace security. In 2023, there were over 4,000 illegal drone violations reported across nearly 60 stadiums globally, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. These incursions have led to event delays, apprehension of drone pilots, and pose an increased risk to public safety.
Cathy Lanier, the National Football League’s Chief Security Officer, revealed that drone incursions nearly doubled between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 regular football seasons, rising from 1,300 to 2,500 incidents. The FBI received 121,000 requests for specialized counterdrone units to protect stadiums and critical infrastructure sites between 2018 and 2023, but only 6% of these requests could be fulfilled due to existing laws. Lanier highlighted the potential danger drones pose, citing instances in 2018 where drones released leaflets directly over spectators at two stadiums, causing panic.
One notable incident occurred in November 2023 during a game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. Broadcast footage showed a drone flying over the stadium, resulting in the game being stopped twice and players leaving the field. This incident underscores the disruptive impact of drone incursions at sporting events.
Las Vegas, the host city for Super Bowl LVIII, has implemented DedroneCityWide, the largest airspace security infrastructure globally, to safeguard critical zones such as major stadiums, the airport, and the Las Vegas Strip. The city has collaborated with external security and public safety groups to ensure the safety of attendees, players, staff, and citizens of Clark County. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the Super Bowl as a SEAR 1 event, indicating the highest level of security for large-scale events in the US.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary flight restrictions for drones around specific venues in Las Vegas, including Allegiant Stadium, Resorts World, and Wynn Casino, with stricter restrictions in place on the day of the game. Violators of these restrictions may face drone confiscation, fines exceeding $30,000, and potential criminal prosecution.
Dedrone recorded a total of 4,046 drone flights across 374 events that violated temporary flight restrictions around 59 stadiums worldwide that it protects.
The rising number of unauthorized drone activities during major sporting events and concerns about security breaches have prompted calls for stronger counterdrone legislation. Major sporting leagues have voiced their support for such legislation, highlighting the need for public safety agencies to effectively mitigate the threat posed by drones.
Dedrone, headquartered near Washington, D.C., is a leading provider of smart airspace security solutions. The company’s comprehensive command and control solution leverages AI/ML technology to continuously interrogate and verify drone activity. Dedrone enables customers to detect, track, identify, analyze, and mitigate drone threats using a unified interface.
As the threat of drone incursions continues to grow, the implementation of counterdrone technology is becoming increasingly essential in ensuring public safety and preventing disruptions at major events.
