Originally Posted On: https://www.openskypro.com/blog/phoenix-open-500-drone-show/

Inside the 2026 WM Phoenix Open: 500-Drone Show at Concert in the Coliseum

The WM Phoenix Open is known for its massive crowds and electric atmosphere, and the Concert in the Coliseum is a cornerstone of this iconic event. This year, tens of thousands of fans gathered for an unforgettable night on Saturday, January 31st, headlined by legendary rock band The Killers. Delivering entertainment on this scale requires meticulous planning, multi-agency coordination, and trusted production partners capable of executing flawlessly in a high-stakes environment. For the second consecutive year, Open Sky Productions was honored to participate in the event, providing a series of high-impact drone light shows that amplified the concert experience and captivated the massive audience. Our role underscores a commitment to helping major public events create memorable, safe, and innovative entertainment moments.

Event Scale & Information

The WM Phoenix Open is more than just a golf tournament; it is one of the largest and most complex live events in Arizona, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees over the course of the week. The Concert in the Coliseum with headliners The Killers and special guest Tyler Hubbard, held at the famed 16th hole, represents a city-scale production in its own right. The sheer size of the crowd necessitates an unparalleled level of security and operational planning. As reported by local media, preparations involve extensive coordination between event organizers, law enforcement, fire departments, and private security teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Being entrusted with a significant entertainment component for a second year speaks to the strength of our partnership and our proven ability to operate within such a demanding framework. For an event of this magnitude, every production partner must demonstrate a deep understanding of public safety, stakeholder communication, and logistical precision. Our continued collaboration is a testament to the confidence placed in our team to deliver a world-class performance while adhering to the highest standards of operational discipline.

You can read more about the event’s preparations in this AZ Family news report.

Open Sky Productions’ Role

For the 2026 Concert in the Coliseum, Open Sky Productions was tasked with elevating the live entertainment experience through a series of custom performances. For the first time at this event, we designed and executed three separate 500-drone light shows, including units equipped with controlled pyrotechnics. These performances were strategically timed to build energy and enhance the headlining musical acts, flying before, between, and after the sets. This approach ensured that the sky was an active part of the entertainment throughout the entire evening, not just a single moment.

Drone light shows are uniquely suited to enhance large-scale concerts and sporting events by providing a dynamic, programmable canvas. This technology enables a fully immersive environment in which aerial displays are synchronized with music, lighting, and video.

To reinforce the event’s brand and engage spectators, our drone light shows utilize:

• Choreographed animations: Creating precise logos, themed visuals, and narrative sequences that traditional entertainment cannot replicate.
• Integrated timing: Ensuring the display is integrated into a complex run-of-show for seamless transitions between acts.
• Coordinated safety planning: Prioritizing the safety of large crowds through strict adherence to safety perimeters and operational discipline.

For the WM Phoenix Open, our focus was on delivering a production that balanced these creative elements with a rigorous feasibility review to ensure safe, successful execution.

Media Coverage & CEO Nate’s Perspective

The scale of the event and its intricate safety planning drew significant media attention, including a segment from AZ Family news that highlighted the massive security undertaking. Toward the end of the news video, Open Sky Productions CEO, Nate, was featured, offering insight into the complex coordination required to bring a drone show to life in such an environment. His perspective underscores our commitment to responsible production and our role in supporting host communities.

“A lot of effort — we coordinate with the fire department, police department, the FAA,” Nate explained. He highlights the collaborative, safety-first approach that is fundamental to our operations. Public events require a partnership mindset, with vendors working in lockstep with local agencies to ensure public safety. He further described the audience experience, adding, “Imagine watching 500 shooting stars in the sky at the same time. That is choreographed for 10 to 15 minutes. That’s what it’s like watching a drone show.” This quote reflects our mission: to create a sense of wonder and shared experiences that elevate live events through careful planning and precise execution.

For details on the safety of drone light shows and the regulations followed by Open Sky Productions, visit our Safety & Regulations page.

See the Performance in Action

To fully appreciate the performance’s scale and artistry, we have shared some video highlights here. It captures the 500-drone show in action, showcasing the intricate choreography, vibrant color, and pyrotechnic integrations that lit up the Arizona sky. Viewers will see how the drones form massive, cohesive images that are visible from every corner of the packed venue. The video demonstrates unique animations and powerful visual punctuation from pyro effects, all synchronized to create a cohesive and thrilling performance.

stakes environments demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and delivering an unparalleled audience experience.

For festival producers, city organizers, and corporate brands looking to elevate their next major event with a custom drone light show, our team has the proven expertise and operational discipline to bring your vision to life.

We invite you to contact us to discuss your event and learn how we can create a custom drone light show for your audience.