An unauthorized drone caused a brief but notable interruption during the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. The game was paused in the third quarter as the drone hovered above the seating bowl, prompting immediate action from stadium security and law enforcement. According to Vern Conaway Jr., Vice President for Public Safety and Security at the Maryland Stadium Authority, the incident lasted only a few minutes but triggered a full-scale investigation.
This marks the third drone-related disruption at M&T Bank Stadium in two years, adding to a growing pattern of airspace intrusions during high-profile sporting events. Previous incidents include a drone halting a night game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 and another interfering during the 2024 AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the last several seasons, security teams have detected multiple unauthorized drones during games, including as many as five during a single event.
Imagine this: Your team is deep in playoff contention, the stadium is packed, energy is electric—and then it happens. A drone hovers over the stands, pausing the game and pulling everyone's attention skyward. That’s exactly what went down at M&T Bank Stadium during the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The interruption lasted just a few minutes, but it’s not the first time drones have disrupted play there. Over the past two years, M&T Bank has seen drones pop up multiple times—at night games, championship events, and regular season matches.
What if the drone fell? What if it carried something dangerous?
Why This Matters
When a drone flies into restricted airspace, it’s not just a nuisance—it’s a threat. Drones over crowds pose a real danger to spectators, players, and staff. If a drone malfunctions or is used maliciously, injuries happen fast, and emergency response times are often delayed by the sheer size and density of a stadium crowd.
Regulations are clear: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposes temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums with 30,000+ spectators. The rule is simple: If a drone flies, aerial operations must stop. That’s your halftime show, your TV broadcast angles, and most importantly—your safety—on pause.
But Here’s the Problem
Drones are everywhere now. They’re cheap, easy to fly, and hard to trace. Stadium security teams have to juggle spotting these tiny intruders, figuring out if they’re dangerous, and trying to locate the pilot—all in a matter of minutes. The FAA can regulate, but enforcement is tricky when the operator is hidden a mile away.
That’s where real security solutions come in.
What AirSight Can Do for You
Let’s talk about what really changes the game: Knowing who is behind the drone and acting before it’s a problem. That’s what AirSight offers.
- We don’t just detect drones—we track their trajectory in real time.
- We locate the exact position of the operator, so you’re not wasting time guessing.
- We provide threat-level assessments tailored to your airspace, letting your team respond decisively.
Imagine being alerted the moment a drone enters restricted airspace, knowing precisely where it launched from, and sending security straight to the pilot. That’s proactive defense. That’s how you protect your fans, your players, and your bottom line from drone-related liabilities.
The Time to Act Is Now
Incidents like the Ravens' game interruption aren’t going away—they’re increasing. Every game, every concert, every packed event is an opportunity for another drone to cause havoc. AirSight helps stadiums move from reactive to ready, keeping the action on the field where it belongs.
Because when drones fly, your security should soar.