FAA Establishes Extensive No Drone Zone Around New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced comprehensive drone flight restrictions around New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome and surrounding areas for Super Bowl LIX. The temporary flight restrictions include substantial no-drone zones both on game day and during the week leading up to the event, with violations potentially resulting in fines up to $75,000 and criminal prosecution.

Game Day Restrictions

The FAA’s plan implements a two-tiered restriction system on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9. Starting at 1:30 PM CST, a 1.5-nautical-mile restriction zone will be established around the stadium, extending up to 2,000 feet in altitude. This inner zone will be superseded by a much larger restricted area from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM CST, spanning 30 nautical miles from the stadium and reaching up to 18,000 feet in altitude.

Pre-Game Security Measures

The security framework includes a series of restrictions specifically around Lafayette Square in the days leading up to the event. A 1.5-nautical-mile radius no-drone zone extending up to 2,000 feet in altitude will be enforced around Lafayette Square according to the following schedule:

• February 3: 4 PM to 11 PM
• February 5: 2 PM to 11 PM
• February 6: 12 PM to 11 PM
• February 7: 2 PM to 11 PM
• February 8: 9 AM to 11 PM

Enforcement and Consequences

The FAA has made it clear that violations will be taken seriously, with potential penalties including drone confiscation, substantial fines reaching $75,000, and possible criminal prosecution. These measures reflect the heightened security concerns surrounding major sporting events and the need to protect public safety.

These restrictions highlight the growing importance of drone management during major public events. The extensive restricted airspace – particularly the 30-nautical-mile radius on game day – demonstrates how drone security concerns have evolved to require increasingly comprehensive safety measures. This approach has become standard practice for major sporting events but continues to present challenges for legitimate drone operators in affected areas.

The FAA has provided additional details in the Super Bowl LIX Flight Advisory and maintains a dedicated Super Bowl LIX webpage with comprehensive information for both general aviation and drone pilots.