Tampa Bay is a No Drone Zone During Super Bowl LV

The FAA has recently announced that Tampa Bay is a No Drone Zone during Super Bowl LV (at least the area around the stadium.)

It’s not a surprise and we hope that pilots are already aware of this: but if you are new to drones, remember that large public events like the Super Bowl are usually designated as No Drone Zones.  The temporary restriction is for everyone’s safety and ensures that official aerial vehicles who may be working to secure the area or record the game can work safely.

The FAA has published an official notice about the No Drone Zone:  “Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7, 2021. Drones also are prohibited around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to the event.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) on game day that will prohibit drones within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. EST.

Drones are also prohibited for one nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on February 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect.  Further details are available in the drone TFR (PDF).

Tampa Bay is a no drone zone for about two nautical miles around Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (up to an altitude of 2,000 feet, which is far beyond the 400 feet generally allowed) from January 29 to February 6, during event hours.

Pilots and drone operators who disregard the no drone zone without authorization cause a problem for all legitimate drone pilots – and could face heavy fines or criminal prosecution.  The FAA says civil penalties for flying without permission could exceed $30,000.

Pilots can find more information on the FAA’s Super Bowl LV web page.