FBI, FAA Crack Down on Illegal Drone Flights Over Coors Field

Drone operators face steep fines and potential criminal penalties for violating airspace restrictions during Rockies games.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:03pm

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The FBI and Federal Aviation Administration have issued a joint warning after more than half a dozen drones were spotted illegally flying in restricted airspace around Coors Field during the Colorado Rockies' opening homestand. No arrests have been made, but the operators have been referred to the FAA for investigation and could face civil fines of up to $75,000 per violation, confiscation of their drones or pilot certificates, and potential criminal penalties including fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison.

Why it matters

Drone incursions at major American sporting venues have risen sharply in recent years, with the NFL reporting more than 2,800 incidents in 2023 alone. These unauthorized flights can disrupt games and pose a safety risk, prompting increased enforcement efforts by federal agencies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The details

The drone incursions occurred during the Rockies' first home series against the Philadelphia Phillies from April 3 to 5. FBI Denver public affairs officer Vikki Migoya said that before the games began, 'numerous' operators were found to have violated the stadium's temporary flight restriction or lacked or refused to show a valid Part 107 remote pilot license. Under FAA rules, all airspace within three miles of Coors Field is restricted starting one hour before a game and continuing for one hour after it ends.

  • The drone incursions occurred during the Rockies' first home series against the Philadelphia Phillies from April 3 to 5, 2026.
  • The FBI and FAA issued the joint warning on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

FBI Denver

The Denver office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is assisting in the investigation and enforcement efforts.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, including the enforcement of drone regulations.

Denver Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is also involved in the crackdown on illegal drone flights over Coors Field.

Colorado Rockies

The Major League Baseball team that plays its home games at Coors Field and is working with federal and local authorities to address the drone issue.

Vikki Migoya

The FBI Denver public affairs officer who provided details on the drone incursions and enforcement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Before the games began, 'numerous' operators were found to have violated the stadium's temporary flight restriction or lacked or refused to show a valid Part 107 remote pilot license.”

— Vikki Migoya, FBI Denver public affairs officer

What’s next

The FBI, FAA, Denver Police Department and the Colorado Rockies have jointly urged drone operators to follow federal regulations as the team prepares for its next homestand.

The takeaway

This crackdown on illegal drone flights over Coors Field highlights the growing challenge of managing drone activity around major sporting events and the need for stricter enforcement to ensure the safety of players, fans, and the general public.