The growing risk of unauthorized drones at major sporting events has triggered legislative action, as the newly introduced Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act garners strong support from the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR. Introduced by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), the bipartisan bill aims to strengthen drone security protocols at stadiums across the U.S., addressing a rapidly escalating issue in public safety.
Drone-related disruptions at sporting events have seen an alarming rise. According to NFL security chief Cathy Lanier, unauthorized drone incidents at NFL games surged from 67 in 2018 to 2,845 in 2023—a staggering 4,145% increase. These intrusions have led to game delays, with notable incidents including:
While the FAA currently enforces Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over stadiums seating 30,000 or more, only federal officials on-site—usually limited to high-profile events like the Super Bowl—can intervene and neutralize unauthorized drones.
The DEFENSE Act seeks to close this enforcement gap by extending counter-drone authority to state and local law enforcement during regular-season games and other events without federal oversight. This expansion would allow trained local agencies to deploy federally approved countermeasures, such as:
The sports industry has been a vocal advocate for stronger drone security. David Thomas, MLB’s Senior Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations, emphasized the league’s years-long push for legislative action, citing the potential risks to millions of fans annually.
Backing from key sports organizations highlights the urgent need for comprehensive drone defense. High-profile incidents, like the drone disruption at the Ravens-Steelers playoff game, reinforce the argument for proactive measures.
While the DEFENSE Act has received bipartisan backing, it isn’t without controversy. Privacy advocates, including Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), have raised concerns about potential overreach and the impact on civil liberties. The bill includes provisions for mandatory training and federal oversight to mitigate misuse, but debates around privacy and the balance of security continue.
The FAA will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation, ensuring that new counter-drone measures respect both public safety and the rights of lawful drone operators.
If passed, the DEFENSE Act could reshape stadium security nationwide and influence broader counter-drone policies in sectors like airports, public events, and critical infrastructure. The legislation is also expected to boost demand for counter-drone technologies, potentially increasing investments in RF detection systems, radar tracking, and multi-layered defense solutions.
As drone threats evolve, the DEFENSE Act represents a key step in bridging the gap between technological advancement and public safety—ensuring fans, players, and venues are better protected from aerial risks.
With drone threats escalating, stadiums and large venues need a reliable, adaptable, and proactive defense system. AirSight offers a multi-layered drone detection and mitigation platform that integrates Remote ID, RF/DF analysis, radar and camera tracking, as well as 24/7 live monitoring and AI analytics—delivering real-time detection and rapid response capabilities.
AirSight’s flexible solutions are designed for complex environments like stadiums, where distinguishing between harmless drones and real threats is critical. Our system’s ability to seamlessly integrate with existing security infrastructure ensures enhanced protection without disrupting event operations.
Schedule a personalized demo today and discover how AirSight can help you proactively defend against drone threats.