Major events at Levi's Stadium, SAP Center, and PayPal Park trigger FAA temporary flight restrictions banning drones within three nautical miles up to 3,000 feet. Violations carry federal criminal penalties in addition to civil fines.
Federal Aviation Administration standing temporary flight restrictions under FDC NOTAM 4/3621 prohibit unmanned aircraft within three nautical miles of stadiums seating 30,000 or more, up to 3,000 feet, beginning one hour before and ending one hour after MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-speedway events. In Santa Clara County this captures Levi's Stadium and triggers regularly during 49ers home games, college football neutral-site events, and concerts. SAP Center and PayPal Park draw event-specific TFRs at the request of organizers. Violations can be enforced as federal criminal trespass under 18 U.S.C. §39B with up to one year in prison plus civil penalties, and local law enforcement assists with grounded suspects.
Flying in a stadium TFR is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. §39B punishable by up to one year imprisonment and FAA civil penalties up to $32,666. Equipment is seized and the operator is prosecuted in federal district court.
See how Santa Clara's event drone restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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