This article is based on an official press release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

FAA and FBI Establish Strict “No Drone Zones” for Super Bowl LX

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have jointly announced comprehensive airspace restrictions for Super Bowl LX. As preparations finalize for the event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, federal agencies are implementing a “zero tolerance” policy regarding unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These measures are designed to secure the airspace over the stadium and key areas of downtown San Francisco leading up to and during the game on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

According to the official announcement, the restrictions classify the area as a “No Drone Zone,” a designation standard for National Security Special Events (NSSE). The agencies have emphasized that violations will result in severe consequences, including substantial civil fines and potential criminal prosecution. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of fans, players, and critical infrastructure during one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.

Detailed Airspace Restrictions

The FAA has outlined specific Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that affect two primary locations: the immediate vicinity of Levi’s Stadium on game day and downtown San Francisco during the week leading up to the event. Pilots are strongly advised to check Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) frequently, as specific coordinates and times are subject to strict enforcement.

Levi’s Stadium (Game Day: Feb 8, 2026)

On Super Bowl Sunday, restrictions will be enforced in phases to accommodate the influx of air traffic and security requirements. The FAA has detailed the following schedule for the area surrounding Levi’s Stadium (Coordinates: 37°24’12″N 121°58’12″W):

• Pre-Game (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PST): A restriction radius of 2 nautical miles (approx. 2.3 miles) around the stadium is in effect up to an altitude of 2,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).
• Game-Time (2:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PST): The restrictions expand significantly. An Inner Core of 10 nautical miles is strictly prohibited for all unauthorized aircraft and drones up to 18,000 feet. An Outer Ring extending from 10 to 30 nautical miles permits flights only with active flight plans, discrete transponder codes, and two-way radio communication with Air Traffic Control.

Downtown San Francisco (Feb 3 – Feb 7, 2026)

In addition to the stadium restrictions, the FAA has established a “No Drone Zone” over downtown San Francisco to secure fan events. These restrictions cover a 1-nautical-mile radius up to 1,000 feet AGL during the following times:

• Tuesday, Feb 3 – Friday, Feb 6: 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. PST daily.
• Saturday, Feb 7: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. PST.

Enforcement and Penalties

Federal agencies have made it clear that these restrictions are not merely guidelines but enforceable federal law. The FBI is authorized to utilize specialized mitigation technology to detect, track, and, if necessary, disable or seize drones that pose a safety threat to the event.

Agencies are employing a “zero tolerance” policy for unauthorized drone operations. Penalties include civil fines up to $75,000 for violating airspace restrictions, potential federal criminal prosecution, and the suspension or revocation of drone pilot licenses.

, Summary of FAA & FBI Joint Announcement

Historically, the FBI has not hesitated to act during similar events. During Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta (2019) and Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans (2025), federal agents confiscated multiple drones that violated airspace rules. For Super Bowl LX, FAA and FBI agents will be deployed full-time to monitor the airspace, ensuring that general aviation pilots and drone operators adhere to the strict reservation programs and flight plan requirements.

AirPro News Analysis

The escalation of fines to $75,000 represents a significant increase in the financial risk for non-compliant drone operators. In previous years, warnings were often the first line of defense, but the shift toward “zero tolerance” language suggests that federal authorities are moving toward immediate enforcement actions. This aligns with the broader trend of securing “soft targets” against asymmetric aerial threats. For commercial operators, this reinforces the necessity of using LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) systems and checking TFRs well in advance, as ignorance of a TFR is rarely accepted as a valid defense by the FAA.

Sources

Sources: FAA Press Release