City Of Arlington: From Stadium Protection to Citywide Airspace Security

Arlington’s partnership with Hidden Level began with stadium protection.​ It grew into one of the nation’s first real-time airspace intelligence programs, supporting first responders, BVLOS flight, and safer streets citywide.​

THE STARTING POINT: GAME-DAY AIRSPACE SECURITY

As crowds packed AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field for major events, unauthorized drones began to appear in the airspace above, creating new safety and security risks that existing tools couldn’t fully address. It wasn’t just the skies over the venues that posed concern; operators were launching from parking lots, highways, and nearby neighborhoods, well beyond the event perimeter.

To close these visibility gaps, the Arlington Police Department needed a system that could see what radars and cameras could not—and respond before unsafe flights became incidents.

Hidden Level’s Airspace Monitoring Service (AMS) was deployed to provide persistent drone detection around major venues. Using a network of passive RF sensors, AMS identified both Remote ID and dark drones, pinpointed operators in real time, and helped police enforce airspace restrictions before threats reached the stands.

Drones, when piloted improperly, can create public safety issues during large public events in the Entertainment District. Hidden Level’s AMS gives us a tool to detect and deter possible dangerous and criminal activity during game days. — Al Jones, Chief of Police, Arlington, TX

FROM EVENT PROTECTION TO EVERYDAY POLICING

With AMS as the foundation, Arlington connected its data to new use cases that made the city safer far beyond event days.

Drone as First Responder (DFR)

Arlington is among the first U.S. cities approved for BVLOS drone operations. Paired with AMS, DFR units respond to emergencies within minutes—arriving faster than patrol vehicles and delivering live overhead intelligence that enhances safety for officers and civilians. Integrated with AMS, every flight remains safe, compliant, and coordinated with manned aircraft. APD's DFR program increases police and emergency response capabilities needed for high-profile events and everyday policing.

World Series Parade Protection ‍

When more than half a million fans filled the Entertainment District to celebrate the Texas Rangers’ championship, AMS provided continuous airspace awareness. Police identified and stopped unauthorized drones before they entered restricted zones, keeping the skies clear and the celebration safe.

Fireworks Surge Response

Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve fireworks once flooded 911 lines with false calls. Now, AMS data guides drone crews to real-time hotspots, verifying incidents and confirming the incident before dispatching resources. Resulting in fewer false alarms, faster response, and reduced strain on police and fire teams.

Near Collision Averted

During an NFL game, AMS detected a drone within 30 feet of an incoming helicopter. Arlington PD tracked and located the operator, leading to swift enforcement—illustrating how AMS prevents potential tragedies in crowded airspace.

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AMS CAPABILITIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY BENEFITS

Cooperative & Non-Cooperative UAS Detection: Provides complete visibility of both Remote ID–compliant and non-emitting (dark) drones operating in local airspace.

Real-Time Operator and Takeoff Geolocation: Pinpoints the location of drone operators and takeoff within seconds, enabling rapid enforcement and safer incident response.

Predictive Analytics for Preemptive Planning: Identifies recurring launch hotspots and seasonal activity trends, allowing agencies to anticipate risks and deploy proactively.

Custom Alert Zones: Enables agencies to divide coverage areas—such as stadium lots, parks, or neighborhoods—and route alerts directly to the officers responsible for those zones. During large events, for example, a bike officer assigned to Parking Lot A receives real-time notifications for activity in that area only, ensuring faster, localized response.

Passive, Title 18-Compliant Operation: Uses only ambient RF signals to monitor airspace legally and privately, without capturing personal data or communications.

Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) Delivery: Provides continuous access to real-time and historical airspace data through a secure cloud platform—no hardware maintenance, instant scalability, and seamless integration with public-safety workflows.

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SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SMART, SECURE SKIES

Arlington transformed drone detection from a stadium-day tool into a city-wide safety asset—a model now being studied by agencies nationwide as a blueprint for integrated airspace awareness.

By combining advanced detection, predictive analytics, and DFR support, Arlington is setting a new standard for proactive airspace management. This collaboration showcases how forward-thinking cities can enhance public safety, streamline operations, and build the foundation for a more connected and secure urban airspace.

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