The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has set up strict drone restrictions for Super Bowl LX, which will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. These measures include a designated ‘No Drone Zone’ at the stadium and additional limits on drone flights over downtown San Francisco in the days leading up to the event.
Both agencies are working together to enforce temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). They will use authorized technology to detect, track, and assess unauthorized drones. Staff from both organizations will be present around event venues to monitor any drone activity that could threaten aviation safety or public security.
According to the FAA and FBI, anyone flying a drone into restricted airspace without permission may face fines as high as $75,000. Drones can also be confiscated, and operators could face federal criminal charges. The FBI is tasked with identifying these operators, seizing drones when necessary, and assisting with legal action.
The agencies note that "The FBI is legally authorized to use specialized mitigation tools to address unauthorized drone flights and may take action to move aircraft out of restricted airspace while preserving evidence for potential enforcement action."
Drone restrictions will be enforced during specific times between February 3 and February 8 at various locations including Moscone Center, The Pearl, The Ferry Building, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Palace of Fine Arts, and Levi’s Stadium. On game day itself—February 8—airspace around Levi’s Stadium will have a restriction radius of up to 30 nautical miles from 2:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., reaching altitudes up to 18,000 feet.
More information for pilots about these restrictions can be found in the Super Bowl LX Flight Advisory on the FAA website as well as on the FAA’s dedicated Super Bowl LX webpage.
