Drone shows are a popular way to impress audiences at stadiums and open venues. But behind the beautiful picture in the sky there are high costs and limitations.
How much drone shows cost and what is needed to launch
Small shows (tens of drones) start from 30,000 ₽. Full-scale outdoor shows with hundreds of drones cost from several hundred thousand to millions of rubles. Preparation takes from two weeks to two months.
You need to coordinate flights, account for weather (wind, rain = cancellation), choose a site without obstacles. After the show viewers get no additional contact.
Alternative: light show from the audience’s phones
Viewers already “carry” pixels with them: their smartphones. A QR code on the scoreboard or screen is enough, and the stands turn into a huge light screen controlled from the stage.
Launch in minutes, works indoors and in any weather. No flight permits and no dependence on wind. After the show every viewer gets promo, polls or a draw in the browser.
Price for stadiums from 30,000 ₽ for an audience of up to 1,000 people (fixed per event). For larger stands the price is calculated with the calculator.
When to choose drones and when flashlights
- Need something specifically in the sky, large budget and time to prepare: drones
- Want an effect for the stands, fast and cheap: audience flashlights
- Event indoors or with unpredictable weather: only flashlights
- Need post-event contact with viewers (promo, data): only flashlights
Formats are often combined: drones for the opening, our show for engaging the stands during the match or in the finale.
More about the format for stadiums in the Sport section. A real pre-match show case at Samara Arena in a separate post.
Drone risks
Cancellations due to wind and rain happen regularly: even with light wind the flight is cancelled for safety. Flight coordination takes weeks, in cities there are no-fly zones around airports and centres. The site must be open and flat.
When drones are still better
Show in the sky over water: stands do not see it, but viewers on the shore or from boats see figures above the surface. State holidays with large budgets: when you specifically need the sky and have time and money for preparation and permits. In other cases the stands deliver engagement faster and cheaper.
