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Drone Technology Takes Flight at Texas Football Games

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

 

How the Longhorns are embracing the future of stadium entertainment and security

Drone technology is no longer reserved for military operations or hobbyist pilots — it’s now part of the game day experience at the University of Texas.

As Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium welcomes the Longhorn faithful each fall Saturday, drones are increasingly playing a role in entertainment, safety, and stadium operations.

The skies over Austin are alive with innovation.

Drones in the Spotlight: A New Era of Game Day Shows

In recent seasons, Texas has begun experimenting with choreographed drone light shows, adding a dazzling layer to the fan experience. Many fans are amazed by the light show and the movement these drones display. These shows, featuring hundreds of drones offer a flying operation that is synchronized with patterns that, display:

  • Longhorn logos
  • Burnt Orange slogans (“HOOK ‘EM,” “TEXAS FIGHT”)
  • Tributes to players and veteransInteractive crowd moments synced with music

The drone shows typically occur:  During pre-game festivities • Halftime •  Post-game celebrations (especially after marquee wins)

Fans describe the shows as “jaw-dropping,” comparing them to fireworks 2.0 — but quieter, more environmentally friendly, and infinitely programmable.

Behind the Scenes: How It Works

The university partners with FAA-certified drone operators who:

  1. Pre-program flight paths and images
  2. Conduct multiple test flights in secure airspace
  3. Coordinate with Austin air traffic control and the FAA for event clearance
  4. Integrate the show with the stadium’s video and audio systems

For big games — especially SEC rivalry matchups — Texas is expanding the scope of these shows to rival the best in college football.

Safety & Security Enhancements

Beyond entertainment, drones are now part of stadium security:

  • Perimeter surveillance: Stadium security teams use drones to monitor parking lots and surrounding areas during games.
  • Crowd monitoring: High-resolution drone footage helps officials manage crowd flow, spot potential hazards, and assist in emergency response situations.
  • Unauthorized drone defense: The university employs drone detection systems to identify and neutralize unauthorized UAVs that may pose a security threat.

“We’re using drones not just for fan experience, but to make sure our fans are safe,” says a UT athletic department official.

Challenges & Regulations

Operating drones at a major event is complex:

  • FAA waivers are required to fly over people
  • Weather conditions — especially high winds — can force last-minute show cancellations
  • Drone batteries limit flight duration, requiring precise choreography
  • Airspace around the stadium must be cleared of unauthorized drones — a growing challenge given the popularity of personal UAVs

UT’s drone partners must also coordinate with:

  • Austin police• Texas Department of Public Safety
  • FAA regional offices

The Future: More Drones, More Magic

Looking ahead, Texas is planning to:

  • Expand drone light shows for more games — especially night games
  • Integrate live drone video feeds into stadium screens and Longhorn Network broadcasts
  • Enhance player intros and recruiting events with custom drone displays
  • Collaborate with aerospace engineering students to innovate new applications

UT is also exploring drone-based delivery of select concessions and merchandise during controlled pre-game events — an idea being tested by several NFL teams.

Texas Spring Game

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

By Tucker Stephenson

AUSTIN — For Longhorn football fanatics, the 2019 season can’t get here soon enough.

The first taste of the new campaign is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium during the annual Orange-White spring game. The contest is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised on Longhorn Network.

Ever since Texas wrapped up a stunning 28-21 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the countdown has been underway to see what the Longhorns can provide as an encore during head coach Tom Herman’s third year at the helm. Herman guided Texas to a 10-4 overall record in 2018 and is now 17-10 with the Longhorns, including a 2-0 mark in bowl games.

Some of the intrigue that has surrounded major position battles in years past won’t be there this year, such as the starting quarterback role. Sam Ehlinger locked that down without question following a stellar sophomore year that culminated with the Westlake alum winning MVP honors in New Orleans.

Instead, Texas fans will get a deeper look at backup QB Casey Thompson, as the redshirt freshman is expected to see some reps with the first-string offense. Since Shane Buechele and Cam Rising decided to take their talents elsewhere via transfer, the No. 2 signal caller job is wide open.

Overall, the spring game will be more about health than name recognition. Star safeties Caden Sterns and B.J. Foster were both recently sidelined, as Sterns underwent a knee procedure that will keep him out for the remainder of fall and Foster is in the concussion protocol.

Fans Enjoy the fun at DKR at the 2018 Spring Game. Photo: UT Athletics

It’s not yet known whether Texas will take a chance and let Foster return for the spring game, but it would seem to be an unnecessary gamble.

Senior safety Brandon Jones is also on the shelf after having ankle surgery in February.

Among the biggest storylines for the Longhorns this spring is who will step up and replace wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey. D’Shawn Jamison and Brennan Eagles are said to be in the mix, but true freshman Jordan Whittington will have plenty of eyes on him — and with good reason. 

The Cuero grad is just over three months removed from a record-setting performance in the Class 4A Division II state title game. Whittington ran for 334 yards and five scores in the Gobblers’ 40-28 win over Texarkana Pleasant Grove and also surpassed iconic Lone Star running backs Eric Dickerson and Jonathan Gray during his senior season.

The Longhorns are also looking for newcomers in the middle of the defense following the loss of linebackers Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler, in addition to defensive tackle Chris Nelson. On the outside, replacements must also be found for departed cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Davante Davis.

2018 Spring Game last year. Photo: UT Athletics

Thankfully, Texas’ roster is stocked with young talent after pulling in several very strong recruiting classes. Perhaps the best news for Longhorns fans is that the list of serious overall needs has dwindled from this time a year ago.

That should be enough to make the 2019 spring game feel much more like an audition than any type of dress rehearsal for the opener against Louisiana Tech.