The small size and advanced features of the drones enable them to bypass traditional security measures and buzz in and around stadiums. Imagine enjoying a sports event in a stadium where thousands of fans are cheering for their favorite teams. Suddenly, an illegal drone keeps hovering in the airspace. Wouldn’t it give rise to unnecessary chaos amidst the interesting match? Indeed, it will! That is where the anti-drone devices come to the rescue. In this article, you will explore some of the real-life incidents in which malicious UAVs have interfered with the gameplay at stadiums and how counter-drone systems can help. Let’s dive in!
Top Drone Incidents Affecting Stadium Security
The threat of unauthorized drones in stadiums has significantly increased in recent times. Delve into the top incidents that highlight the need for anti-drone technology.
In June 2022, a drone was seen hovering over the right field of Yankee Stadium for nearly 15 minutes. (https://ktla.com/sports/ap-sports/yankees-nypd-investigating-after-drone-seen-above-stadium/#:~:text=NJ.com%20published%20video%20of,%20and%20that%20NYPD%20was%20investigating) It gave rise to security concerns among authorities, participants, and spectators.
In September 2022, a rogue drone was spotted above the Husky Stadium. Due to this sighting, the game between the University of Stanford and Washington was stopped for over 10 minutes.
In September 2022, an illegal drone flew over Lumen Field, resulting in an eight-minute stoppage of a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. (https://www.commercialuavnews.com/public-safety/drones-over-stadiums-risks-regulations-and-solutions)
During a qualification game for the 2016 UEFA Championship, a drone flew a nationalist flag in the stadium. It incited a riot and forced the game to end. (https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/08/sports/soccer/as-albania-faces-serbia-meeting-the-drone-pilot-who-ended-their-last-match.html%20-)
How Can Drones Affect Sports Events in Stadiums?
Drones can easily enter the restricted airspace of the stadiums and cause disturbances in the events. Delays of the matches, unease and panic among the spectators and participants, and crashing of the illegal UAVs into the stadiums are becoming common. Moreover, the malicious drones may also capture images and videos of the events without any permission, thereby risking the privacy of people. They can even be employed to drop explosives or other harmful substances to create terror among the spectators and bring major sports events to a halt.
Countering Drone Threats with Anti-Drone Systems
Are you wondering how to avoid drone disturbances in stadiums and ensure the continuity of events? Then leveraging the anti-drone technology is an ideal solution. When it comes to counter-drone systems, they mainly include the drone radar detection unit and the drone jammers.
The drone detectors will monitor your airspace and help identify the approaching threats early. As a result, you will have more time to counter them with appropriate strategies. On the other hand, the drone jammers help in jamming drones by interfering with their communication links and forcing them to landing or returning.
Conclusion
In this world where drones are becoming the new norm, leveraging the counter UAV systems is the need of the hour. These devices can promote the safety of property, athletes, and spectators effectively. Moreover, they can enable the stadiums to improve their airspace security and maintain a good reputation among the public.