SEATTLE — Authorities will be on the lookout for drone operators violating airspace rules around Lumen Field during Sunday’s Seattle Seahawks game.
Drones are prohibited from being flown within three miles of the stadium starting one hour before kickoff and ending one hour after the end of the game.
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“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) encourages the public to report unauthorized drone operations to local law enforcement and to help discourage this dangerous, illegal activity,” FAA officials said in a statement to KOMO News. “Drone operators who enter restricted airspace around stadiums could face civil penalties up to $75,000.”
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Violating airspace rules around NFL stadiums can also lead to criminal charges, like a Maryland man who knowingly flew his drone over M&T Bank Stadium during a Baltimore Ravens game last year.
Federal laws regulating the use of drones exist for a reason: to protect people and keep our skies safe,” Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General said. “Flying drones illegally— especially at overcrowded sporting events — is reckless and dangerous.
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Seattle police are planning for extra officers to be on hand for Sunday’s playoff game. In a press conference ahead of the weekend, Detective Brian Pritchard asked fans to avoid leaving firearms in parked cars around the stadiums.
“If you do have a firearm, don’t bring it with you because you can’t bring it into the stadium, and we don’t want you to leave it in the car because it could be stolen,” Pritchard said. “We’ll have adequate officers down there to deal with whatever might come up in terms of crowds.”
Statement from FBI Seattle:
One security component of special events preparation is response to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. These aircraft are subject to FAA regulation which are designed to ensure flight safety as well as the safety of people and property on the ground. FAA airspace restrictions are typically in place during large special events. A Temporary Flight Restriction, or TFR, may be issued by the FAA for the duration of the event, establishing a “no drone zone” in and around the venue. The specifics of the TFRs can be viewed on the FAA website or their mobile app B4UFLY. Under all circumstances, drone operators should check for airspace restrictions before they fly. While TFRs prohibit general drone usage within the TFR area, in limited cases, the FAA may pre-authorize UAS flights for commercial use in coordination with Law Enforcement, stadium, and event officials. FAA issues TFRs for all NFL season games, and TFRs are often in place for other special events.
The FBI, in cooperation with other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, investigates drone usage that violates federal laws, and law enforcement will enforce laws regarding drones. Both criminal and civil penalties could apply for flying a drone unsafely or in areas where a TFR is in effect. Members of the public should report any observed reckless drone use to their local law enforcement.
As always, we encourage the public participating in sporting events and other activities to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement that could represent a threat to public safety.
