WASHINGTON – Between 3 p.m. and midnight on Sunday, February 3, U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft will be assisting in the enforcement of an air travel restriction around Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA during Super Bowl 53. Throughout this period, CBP aircraft will be patrolling the zone to support the enforcement of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The TFR will implement restricted airspace within a 30-mile radius around the stadium throughout the timeframe, allowing only authorized aircraft to enter, such as military, law enforcement, medevac, and aircraft on an active flight plan and in contact with Air Traffic Control. Within that area, a smaller, more restrictive zone will only allow essential aircraft with prior approval to operate within a ten mile radius around Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Unmanned aircraft, to include drones, will not be allowed to operate anywhere within the TFR unless prior authorization has been granted by the FAA.
Specific details relating to TFRs issued by the FAA can be found at http://tfr.faa.gov.
On game day, CBP Black Hawk crews will assist Department of Defense aircraft in detecting, tracking, and coordinating the interdiction of aircraft violating the TFR. If any aircraft violate that air space, CBP will intercept and determine if further enforcement is needed.
The restricted airspace is designed to protect the tens of thousands of attendees before, during, and after the big game. As a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people, CBP can apply its advanced aeronautical capabilities and employ unique skill sets to support its partners in creating a safe environment throughout Super Bowl 53.