Drone briefly pauses Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium, part of TV broadcast

The Ravens’ Thursday Night Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars was briefly paused when officials noticed a drone near M&T Bank Stadium, according to The Baltimore Banner.

Vernon Conaway Jr., head of security for the Maryland Stadium Authority, said the drone was quickly identified as authorized and supporting the television broadcast, posing no security threat.

Drones have become a recurring safety concern at large events like Ravens games, as they can malfunction or potentially be weaponized. Federal aviation rules prohibit unauthorized drones near stadiums.

In recent years, Ravens games have been paused due to unauthorized drones, and a Baltimore man pleaded guilty last year to violating national defense airspace by flying a drone over the stadium during a playoff game.

The NFL has lobbied Congress to permit local law enforcement to take measures against unwelcome drones at major sporting events, highlighting ongoing security challenges at venues like M&T Bank Stadium.