© Joey Pulone @joeypulone.com/Baltimore Ravens

Few moments in Baltimore, MD, rival the energy of the opening season at M&T Bank Stadium. Home to the Ravens, the facility can hold more than 71,000 spectators, making it one of the largest venues in Maryland. On game days, downtown Baltimore comes alive with a flood of purple clad fans, music pouring from tailgates, and families gathering to enjoy the spectacle. Every seat filled adds to the roar that reverberates throughout the stadium, cementing football season as a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.

This influx of spectators is a tremendous boon for the local economy. Bars, restaurants, retailers, and parking operators reap the benefits of every sold out crowd. Hotels near the stadium host fans traveling in from out of state. Even small vendors on side streets see a surge in foot traffic. The ripple effect of game day spending revitalizes neighborhood businesses and energizes communities.

But this flood of fans can also create significant challenges. Neighborhood streets become congested, usually peaceful corners are transformed into car choked thoroughfares, and residents contend with long delays and gridlock even after the final whistle. Frustration mounts when fans are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic long after they have celebrated a win or suffered through a loss. To help alleviate these mounting pressures and bring relief to both businesses and neighborhoods, authorities are exploring an innovative solution using drones.

Can Drones Fix the Traffic?

The Maryland Stadium Authority has announced plans to hire a drone operator to help law enforcement monitor post game traffic. From above, the drone will provide a clear view of bottlenecks and enable quick communication with ground units to direct vehicles more efficiently. By tracking the flow of cars leaving the stadium, it can signal when to open additional lanes or reroute traffic to less crowded streets.

The program is designed to enhance public safety, reduce gridlock, and improve the overall experience for fans and residents alike. As Traffic Operations Manager Maria Chen puts it, “Having this kind of visibility from above gives us a strategic advantage when coordinating flow.” City Councilmember Jamal Rivera echoes that sentiment when he says, “Using aerial technology to prevent bottlenecks is exactly the kind of smart planning our neighborhoods need.”

“Having this kind of visibility from above gives us a strategic advantage when coordinating flow.” – City Councilmember Jamal Rivera

  
Even as M&T Bank Stadium introduces drones into its traffic operations, leaders remain strict about keeping unauthorized drones away. In January, a Baltimore man named Alexis Perez Suarez was convicted for flying a drone into restricted stadium airspace during a playoff game. He admitted to flying above 400 feet without certification and posting photographs on social media. “Public safety is a top priority, so we’re committed to protecting our airways above mass gatherings,” said Kelly Hayes, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “Suarez knew that M&T Bank Stadium was under a temporary flight restriction, yet he flew his drone into the airspace anyway, which is unacceptable.” He was sentenced to probation and community service, and was fined $500.

Unauthorized drones can endanger the public if they malfunction or collide with stadium infrastructure, potentially causing injuries to fans or damaging equipment. Even a small drone falling from several hundred feet could pose serious risks in a packed crowd. Beyond physical safety, unauthorized flights can interfere with the complex systems that make major events run smoothly. They can disrupt broadcasting rights that fund professional sports, interrupting live feeds that reach millions of viewers.

They may also compromise security operations by distracting law enforcement or obstructing aerial assets that have been cleared to fly. At the same time, reckless use undermines the credibility of licensed drone operators who follow regulations and use the technology responsibly. Stadium officials stress that protecting authorized use while preventing reckless flights is essential to ensuring safety, maintaining trust, and preserving the opportunities that come from integrating drones into large public events.

Blend of Tradition and Innovation Around M&T Bank Stadium

© Google Earth

As the Ravens’ season unfolds, the blend of tradition and innovation around M&T Bank Stadium shows how modern technology can complement beloved community events. Drones are being positioned not as a novelty but as a practical tool to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and ensure the game day experience remains enjoyable for everyone. By embracing responsible drone use while firmly enforcing restrictions, Baltimore is setting an example of how large venues can balance excitement with security in an era where both are more important than ever.

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