LANDOVER, Md. — Federal authorities enforced a strict no-drone policy during Saturday’s Army-Navy football game at Northwest Stadium, instituting a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) to protect the airspace around the venue. The restriction extended two nautical miles from the stadium and up to 2,000 feet above ground level.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in coordination with multiple agencies including the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and local law enforcement, monitored the area to prevent unauthorized drone activity. Officials warned that any attempt to breach the restricted zone would result in legal consequences, including arrest, fines, and potential imprisonment.
“Drone operators need to know that we take seriously any incursion in the restricted airspace around the Army-Navy Game,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “Such incursions threaten the safety of those involved.”
The TFR was part of a broader security effort to safeguard participants and spectators at the annual football rivalry, which draws thousands of fans and dignitaries. FBI Special Agent William J. DelBagno emphasized the significance of the event, noting, “The Army-Navy game is a time-honored tradition among our nation’s military … We are committed to keeping everyone safe.”
The enforcement of the no-drone zone highlights the federal government’s ability to deploy coordinated airspace restrictions at major events. The effectiveness of such measures raises questions about why similar drone enforcement cannot be consistently applied in other areas, including New Jersey, where concerns over unauthorized drone use have grown.