Police Identify Operator of Lambeau Drone
Green Bay police have identified the person who flew a drone that disrupted a Packers game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Green Bay police identified the operator of a drone that disrupted the Thursday night Packers game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2026. Referee Scott Novak signaled a delay with 7:43 remaining in the third quarter, and both teams briefly cleared the field.
Why it matters
The incident prompted a multi-agency investigation involving local police, the FAA, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, highlighting the restrictions placed on drone flights near major sports venues during games. It underscores the safety and operational risks that unauthorized aircraft pose at large public events in Green Bay.
The FAA restriction zone extends 3,000 feet up and three nautical miles out from qualifying NFL stadiums during a window from one hour before kickoff to one hour after the final whistle. The operator's identity and any charges have not been publicly detailed.
The players
Scott Novak
An NFL referee who signaled the delay during the Packers-Panthers game after the drone disruption.
Al Michaels
A veteran NFL broadcaster who stated on air that the drone was not part of the broadcast operation.
Federal Aviation Administration
The U.S. federal agency that regulates airspace and sets the flight restrictions applied around NFL stadiums during games.
The details
Referee Scott Novak halted play with 7:43 left in the third quarter, and both the Packers and Carolina Panthers briefly cleared the field. Announcer Al Michaels said the drone was not part of the broadcast operation.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Drone disrupts the Thursday night Packers-Panthers game at Lambeau Field.
November 5, 2026: Green Bay police announce they have identified the drone operator.
Season Trajectory
The FAA's drone restriction zone around qualifying NFL stadiums exists to keep unauthorized aircraft away from games in progress, and this Thursday night intrusion at Lambeau Field tests how strictly that rule is enforced. The incident adds a new data point to ongoing league concerns about airspace security during the regular season.
Anyone flying a drone near a stadium on a game day should know that FAA rules bar flights within 3 nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet from one hour before kickoff until one hour after the game ends. Violations can draw investigation by local police, the FAA, and federal prosecutors.
The takeaway
Drone flights near NFL stadiums are restricted on game days, and operators who break those rules face investigation by multiple agencies. Fans and residents near Lambeau Field should check FAA guidance before flying any unmanned aircraft around a game.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage tied to the Packers and the broader NFL season.
