NFL Reports Surge in Stadium Drone Incursions as Congress Weighs Enhanced Security Powers

The National Football League revealed that unauthorized drone flights over stadiums jumped to 2,845 incidents in 2023, up from 2,537 in 2022, as the league joins federal agencies in pushing Congress to expand drone detection and mitigation authorities, reports Reuters.

The mounting pressure for legislative action comes amid growing concerns about drone-related security threats at major sporting events, critical infrastructure, and sensitive government facilities. Current regulations prohibit drone operations within a three-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above major U.S. sporting venues during events, but enforcement capabilities remain limited.

NFL Security Chief Cathy Lanier’s message to Congress is unequivocal: “The time to act to keep fans safe is now.” The urgency reflects broader concerns about the increasing accessibility of Drone Technology and its potential misuse for malicious purposes.

The proposed legislation would significantly expand federal counter-drone coverage beyond its current scope. Key beneficiaries would include airports, power plants, oil refineries, chemical facilities, and high-risk prisoner transport operations. Perhaps most significantly, the bill would extend drone detection and mitigation authorities to state and local law enforcement agencies, while allowing critical infrastructure operators to deploy federally approved drone detection systems.

Federal agencies are highlighting serious vulnerabilities under the current framework. In joint testimony, the FBI and Justice Department emphasized that even sensitive federal facilities like CIA headquarters remain exposed to potential foreign intelligence collection and physical attacks due to gaps in Legal authority.

The Department of Homeland Security provided compelling evidence of the scale of the drone threat, reporting over 6,900 drone flights near the Southwest border in just a six-week period. These incidents, according to DHS, indicate “highly organized” illicit cross-border drone activities.

This push for expanded authorities builds on previous legislative efforts. In 2018, Congress granted the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security limited powers to disable or destroy threatening drones. However, federal officials argue these provisions fall short of addressing current security challenges.

The White House has backed this initiative since 2022, joining forces with major sports leagues including the NFL and MLB. These organizations have consistently warned that without enhanced detection and mitigation capabilities, venues ranging from stadiums to airports face “substantial risk from malicious and unauthorized drone operation.”

The current situation highlights the complex balance between promoting legitimate drone use while protecting public safety and critical infrastructure. As drone incidents continue to rise, the pressure for comprehensive federal action grows, particularly in light of evolving security concerns and the increasing sophistication of drone technology.