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.
Federal law bars drones within three nautical miles and below 3,000 feet of stadiums seating 30,000 or more during NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I, and major NASCAR events from one hour before to one hour after. State Farm Stadium (Cardinals, Super Bowl host), Chase Field (Diamondbacks), Footprint Center (Suns, Mercury), Mullett Arena (ASU hockey), and Sun Devil Stadium are all covered. Special TFRs also activate for political appearances, wildfires, and law-enforcement operations countywide. Pilots check NOTAMs and FAA TFR maps before each flight. Maricopa County Sheriff and Phoenix Police actively confiscate drones at major events. Spring training games at Salt River Fields and Goodyear Ballpark may trigger additional advisories.
Federal TFR violations carry FAA fines up to $32,666 plus criminal charges under 49 USC 46307 with up to one year prison. State disorderly conduct adds ARS 13-2904 misdemeanor exposure. Drone confiscation is routine at major events.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Surprise's event drone restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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