FAA Blocks Drones Before NBA Finals Game 7
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction for a half nautical mile radius around Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (Okla.) that will begin at 5:00 pm local time and last until midnight.
The TFR, which was issued on Friday, is among the security measures being set in place for Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game will be played in the aftermath of the United States Air Force and Navy bombing nuclear sites in Iran this weekend and Iran vowing revenge. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Terrorism Advisory System issued a bulletin Sunday stating the 'ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.'
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The TFR prohibits unmanned aircraft systems, which include drones and model aircrafts, from flying from the surface up to, and including, 400 feet above ground level. The prohibition excludes drones operated by DHS, police, firefighters and commercial operators who obtain an airspace waiver. Violators can face a bevy of sanctions, including revocations of licenses and fines.
In certain instances, criminal charges are also possible. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice charged a man, Alexis Perez Suarez, who flew a drone over Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium during an AFC Wild Card game. Suarez was charged with operating a drone without a license and willfully violating U.S. National Defense Airspace. Suarez, who insisted he was only trying to take photographs, pleaded guilty and last week was sentenced to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $500 fine.
In a statement issued by the Department of Justice regarding Suarez's sentencing, FBI acting special agent in charge Amanda M. Koldjeski said, 'It is not just irresponsible and reckless, but illegal to fly a drone over a major sporting event such as a Ravens playoff game.' Koldjeski went on to say, 'capturing a photo is not worth the risk of hurting any spectators, players, or employees. As shown by this investigation, the FBI and our partners will hold those caught violating the law fully accountable.'
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The FAA's move to block drones around Paycom Center is consistent with agency practices. The FAA regularly restricts unmanned aircraft systems from flying above a stadium, ballpark, racetrack and other venues. Federal law also imposes numerous restrictions on drone use, including as to permissible locations and how drones interact with air space and aircraft.
Data suggests that drone incursions into restricted airspace are occurring more frequently. Science and technology publication The Debrief recently reported a 25.6% increase in illegal drone incursions near U.S. airports from January to March 2025 compared to that time period in 2024. Incursions could become more worrisome in light of national security concerns connected to U.S. military operations abroad.
Drones have caused injuries to unsuspecting bystanders, including those celebrating sports. Last October, two people in Boston were hurt when a drone hit a light pole and crashed during a Boston Celtics opening night watch party at City Hall Plaza.
Tip off for Game 7 is at 7:00 pm local time.
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