RENTON, Wash. — Years of planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are coming together in Renton, which will serve as the host city for Belgium’s national team.
This week, Renton police deployed a “de-drone” trailer to monitor airspace where a temporary flight restriction is in effect.
The Federal Aviation Administration has established a temporary flight restriction with a 1-mile radius around The Landing shopping center and the Sounders FC Center at Longacres.
The de-drone trailer gives police a real-time view of drones operating in the area.
“It tells us where the pilot is, too,” said Renton Police Commander Chad Karlewicz. “We can send an officer to contact them. Most of the time, there’s nothing nefarious going on, but we still want to contact people who are flying in the temporary flight restriction zone when they shouldn’t be and at least educate them.”
Karlewicz said most drone pilots are simply unaware of the rules. Pilots who violate airspace restrictions could face civil penalties or criminal charges, but Karlewicz said the department takes an education-first approach.
RELATED | FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions
“A lot of them might know they can’t fly above a certain altitude, but once you get beyond that, many don’t have a clear understanding of where they can fly, when they can fly, and what they can do,” he said.
The flight restrictions will remain in place through July 21.
The de-drone trailer is not the only new technology Renton police are deploying ahead of World Cup events.
The department has also rolled out new body cameras equipped with real-time foreign-language interpretation capabilities.
“We’re dealing with people from different places and different cultures all the time. Having a tool that allows us to communicate more effectively and quickly is a huge asset,” said Renton Police Commander Dennis Mynihan. “When we need information fast, we can’t always make a phone call and wait for translation services.”
The city of Renton is planning a series of “Renton Ready to Play” activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
LINK | World Cup Prep: Renton Ready to Play
The city recently renovated Legacy Square, which will serve as a venue for watch parties and other events during the six-week tournament.
