Drone Intrusion Delays Bengals-Ravens Football Game: A Rising Challenge for Stadium Security

The Unexpected Visitor

The Cincinnati Bengals’ game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night encountered an unusual interruption in the second quarter. The cause? A drone hovering above the stadium, its blinking lights catching the attention of players and fans alike. This incident, underscores a growing concern in professional sports.

Update: Billy Kyle, who was watching the game and alerted DroneXL, said the game was interrupted not just once but multiple times.

A Recurring Drone Issue in Stadiums

This is not an isolated incident. Similar to a pause during the Ohio State-Maryland game last month, drones are increasingly intruding into sports arenas. The NFL’s Chief of Security revealed to NBC News that there were about 2,500 drone incursions over NFL stadiums last season, a significant jump from 1,300 the previous year. These numbers highlight a rising trend that poses security challenges.

Security Risks and Responses

The appearance of drones over stadiums filled with fans raises serious security concerns. Not only do they disrupt games, but they also pose a risk to public safety. In response, NFL executives and other sports league officials are seeking legislative support. They aim to empower local law enforcement with the authority to safely intercept and bring down rogue drones to protect both the games and the attendees.

Resuming the Game

Despite the unexpected delay, the Bengals-Ravens game reportedly quickly resumed, reaching halftime without further incident. The quick resolution of the situation demonstrates the responsiveness of the stadium’s security team in handling such unforeseen events.

The intrusion of a drone during the Bengals-Ravens game is a reminder of the evolving security challenges in sports stadiums. As the number of drone incursions rises, the need for effective countermeasures and updated security protocols becomes increasingly critical.