New York and New Jersey residents are not the only ones dealing with issues related to drones. The NFL is also fighting to curb the number of drones that invade their game days. The league has called on congressional lawmakers to pass a bill that would help state and local authorities to intercept drones that enter stadiums.
According to the league, drone sightings have increased significantly, with around 2,800 incidents reported in 2023 compared to just 12 in 2012. The league has banned drone flights up to 3,000 feet before professional games within a three-mile radius of stadiums.
The proposed bill, the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, would give authorities the power to intercept and handle the increasing number of drones. Despite recent efforts, the bill has been blocked.
The NFL has shared its concerns over the issue, with Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier stating, “The time for us to act on this is now. We don’t want to wait until something bad happens.” The league has seen incidents where games have been temporarily suspended or delayed due to drone sightings, such as the 2023 AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
The league is urging lawmakers to act swiftly to address the issue, stating, “We know how significant this threat is, and there’s nothing more we can do.”