The FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, Denver Police Department, and Colorado Rockies announced on Apr. 16 that they are increasing efforts to enforce rules limiting drone use around Coors Field during game days.
Officials said that more than half a dozen drone operators were found violating federal regulations during the first homestand of the season. These cases have been referred to the Federal Aviation Administration for investigation.
The FAA has recently made its enforcement priorities stricter. Any drone posing a danger to the public, operating in restricted airspace, or being used in connection with a crime will result in mandatory enforcement action. Unauthorized operators could face confiscation of their drones, loss of pilot certificates, and civil fines up to $75,000 per violation. Law enforcement agencies may also pursue criminal penalties including fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in federal prison.
Airspace within three miles of Coors Field or Empower Field is restricted from one hour before until one hour after Major League Baseball or National Football League events. Temporary flight restrictions can also be set for other large events at these venues. Flying drones in violation of these restrictions is illegal and considered dangerous.
Drone operators are advised to check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider before flying near stadiums. Most drones must broadcast Remote ID while operating in U.S. airspace; disabling or not complying with Remote ID requirements is another federal violation that can bring additional penalties. Authorities said they use several detection methods regardless of whether Remote ID is broadcasting.
The FBI and FAA work with partners like the Denver Police Department at event venues using authorized counter-drone tools under the SAFER SKIES Act to detect and stop unauthorized activity.
"Our priority is the safety and security of every participant, employee and fan," officials said in their statement. "Drone operators who follow the rules can help us meet that goal."
