Event Drone Restrictions: Phoenix vs Scottsdale
How do event drone restrictions rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Phoenix and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and stadium standing TFRs prohibit drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and major events like the Super Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, and Final Four within strict radius and altitude limits.
View full Phoenix rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions automatically apply to drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and other large venues during major events. Maricopa County follows federal stadium TFR rules under 14 CFR Section 91.145 and Notice 1 9 8 7 1.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Standing stadium TFR | 3 nautical miles, 3,000 feet AGL | - |
| Trigger events | MLB NFL NCAA Division I | - |
| FAA Notice | Stadium TFR Notice 4-3-22 | - |
| Maximum FAA penalty | $32,666 plus criminal exposure | - |
| Stadium TFR radius | - | 3 nautical miles |
| Altitude ceiling | - | 3,000 feet |
| Time window | - | 1 hour before/after |
| Statute | - | 14 CFR 91.145 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Can I fly my drone at the WM Phoenix Open?
No. PGA Tour events typically trigger event-specific TFRs, and the venue is in controlled airspace requiring LAANC. Even outside an active TFR, recording from low altitude over crowds risks Phoenix and federal penalties.
What about a Suns game at Footprint Center?
NBA games do not trigger the standing stadium TFR, but a one-off TFR may be issued. Always check NOTAMs and B4UFLY before flying. Downtown Phoenix is in Sky Harbor's controlled airspace requiring LAANC anyway.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I film a Cardinals game with my drone from outside the stadium?
No. The TFR extends three nautical miles from State Farm Stadium and reaches 3,000 feet, covering nearby Glendale neighborhoods. Violations bring FAA fines and potential criminal prosecution.
How do I check for TFRs in Maricopa County?
Use the FAA's tfr.faa.gov site, B4UFLY app, or Aloft before each flight. Stadium TFRs auto-activate without separate notice for qualifying NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division I games.
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