Drone Threats Worry NFL Security

Cathy Lanier, the Chief Security Officer for the National Football League (NFL), is concerned about unauthorized drones flying above stadiums during games and the potential for accidents or even a mass attack on the crowd below. Last season, the NFL encountered some 1,400 drones over stadiums, even though there were no-fly-zone orders in place.

Pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, drones are not permitted to fly within three miles of a stadium during a major sporting event, which applies to the NFL, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 football, and NASCAR Sprint Cup, Indy Car, and Champ Series races. Any violations of these regulations could result in civil penalties up to $37,377 and even potential criminal prosecution. However, the restrictions are not all-encompassing. The restrictions on flying…