How DRONEWASH+ Safely Cleaned an NFL Stadium Using Drone Technology
Client: City of Denver
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
Location: 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204
Areas Cleaned: Windows & Building Facade
Challenge: Large stadium, Safety, Time
Solution: Drone Cleaning
Result: Safe, Efficient, and Rapid Cleaning
By The Numbers
90 ft.
Max Height
Safely reached peak elevations without the use of scaffolding or lifts.
48 hrs.
Ahead of Schedule
Completed the full exterior restoration 2 days faster than projected.
100%
Compliance
Full adherence to FAA flight regulations and city water reclamation laws.
10 yrs.
Dirt Buildup
Effectively removed a decade of accumulated exhaust soot and dirt.
The Challenge
The preparation for a playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High is a complex task with many maintenance challenges. Following the Denver Broncos’ victory over the Seattle Seahawks, stadium management faced a strict timeline to prepare the facility for a high-profile national broadcast. Because the facility had not undergone a detailed exterior cleaning in more than a decade, the accumulation of dirt and exhaust buildup was significant. The building features expansive glass curtain walls and intricate angled metal facades, reaching elevations of over 90 feet. Standard solutions were ruled out due to their size, slow deployment, and the risk associated with people working at heights.
Furthermore, the project had to be executed within a high-security environment. Because the stadium is subject to strict FAA-based flight regulations and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), management needed a reputable drone cleaning company that could satisfy strict security checks.
The Solution
DRONEWASH+ was selected for its ability to safely perform exterior cleaning operations without placing personnel at height. Their drone-based cleaning system allowed for precise, controlled cleaning while reducing risk, and it was able to clean the dirty metal window sills with black soot and dirt, as well as the windows at the same time. This approach provided a complete cleaning of the building’s exterior, which was ideal for preparing the stadium for the divisional championship game against the New England Patriots.
Another major factor in their selection was their ability to operate within the stadium's sercured airspace. DRONEWASH+ was chosen because they already possessed the necessary FAA clearances and a proven track record of compliance with local and federal regulations. Their team was able to pass the stadium's strict security screenings and coordinate directly with local authorities to manage the drone operation.
The Results
Despite the strict timeline and high-security environment, DRONEWASH+ completed the project a two days faster than expected. Their approach allowed the crew to move quickly across the stadium's 90-foot facades, removing the majority of heavy soot and dirt.
Throughout the process, the team successfully reclaimed the dirty runoff water in accordance with Denver city requirements, ensuring that no mess was left behind and that all environmental protocols were met.
The final result provided a clear, shiny appearance to the metal and windows visible from far away. By finishing ahead of schedule, DRONEWASH+ ensured the building was fully prepared and "broadcast-ready" well before the first playoff kickoff.
Before & After Photos: Empower Field Stadium Drone Cleaning
Before and after drone window cleaning of stadium curtain walls leaving a sparking new appearance.
Before and after removal of baked-on bird droppings and dirt from windows in a single pass.
Before and after cleaning of the stadiums metal facade removing 10 years of build up dirt and soot..
Sparkling clean windows at Empower Field at Mile High after professional drone window cleaning, shown from street-level view.
Client Feedback
"DRONEWASH+ and crew did an amazing job on short notice. The windows have not looked that good in years."
— RT, Senior Facility Manager at Empower Field
"I love this thing. The stadium looks great too!"
— Stadium Manager, Metropolitan Football Stadium District
"As a drone industry advocate and educator, I love seeing flight safety emphasized by drone pilots. It was very nice to see such teamwork utilizing the critical aspect of the safety of the operation and surrounding location."
— Vic Moss, Drone Service Provider Alliance
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