Drone Violations Prompt Airspace Warning for Colorado Rockies Games

FAA and FBI issue alert after multiple drone sightings around Coors Field during recent home games

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a drone in flight over a baseball stadium, with the drone and stadium broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the complex security challenges posed by drones in restricted airspaces.A cubist interpretation of the growing threat of unauthorized drones near major sporting events, where they could disrupt games or pose a security risk.Denver Today

Law enforcement scrambled to track down drone operators after more than half a dozen sightings around Coors Field during the Colorado Rockies' first homestand against the Philadelphia Phillies. While no arrests were made, the FAA and FBI have issued a warning about restricted airspace around the stadium during upcoming Rockies home games, citing concerns over potential threats and the need to keep games uninterrupted.

Why it matters

Drones flying in restricted airspace around major sporting events pose a serious security risk, as they could potentially be used in a terrorist attack or disrupt the games. The FAA and law enforcement are taking a proactive approach to address this issue and prevent any dangerous incidents.

The details

The illegal drone activity did not jeopardize anyone's safety, but there were enough violations that the teams on the ground were concerned about the number of operators that did not seem to understand the seriousness of the situation. All the airspace within 3 miles of Coors Field is restricted starting one hour before a game and continuing for one hour after. Drone operators who violated the restrictions could face fines up to $75,000 per violation and even lose their licenses.

  • On April 3-5, there were more than a half dozen drone sightings around Coors Field during the Colorado Rockies' first homestand against the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • The FAA and FBI issued the warning on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Colorado Rockies

The Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The primary federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency of the United States.

Vikki Migoya

An FBI spokeswoman.

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What they’re saying

“The illegal drone activity did not jeopardize anyone's safety, but there were enough violations that the teams on the ground were concerned about the number of operators that did not seem to understand the seriousness of the situation.”

— Vikki Migoya, FBI spokeswoman

What’s next

The FAA and FBI have warned that drone operators who violate the restricted airspace around Coors Field during upcoming Colorado Rockies home games could face fines up to $75,000 per violation and potentially lose their licenses.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing security concerns around the use of drones near major sporting events, where they could pose a serious threat to public safety or disrupt the games. Law enforcement is taking a proactive approach to address this issue and enforce the restricted airspace regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of the events.