What is Stadium TFR (§ 99.7)?
The standing stadium TFR (14 CFR § 99.7) prohibits aircraft, including drones, from flying within 3 nautical miles of major sporting events, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the event, surface to 3,000 ft AGL.
The stadium TFR is unique because it's permanent — it activates automatically for every covered event without an individual NOTAM. Covered events: MLB regular season and postseason, NFL regular season and postseason, NCAA Division I football (regular season and postseason), and major motorsports events (NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1).
The radius is 3 nautical miles — about 3.45 statute miles, or roughly the diameter of a small city. The vertical limit is the surface up to 3,000 ft AGL. The time window is 1 hour before scheduled start to 1 hour after the scheduled end.
With hundreds of stadiums across the US covered, this TFR is one of the most common reasons working pilots get unexpectedly grounded. A real-estate listing within 3 nautical miles of a stadium with a Sunday afternoon game will not be flyable from 11:30 AM to roughly 5:00 PM.
What this means for pilots
If you work near a major-league venue, check the team's home schedule before booking shoots. The §99.7 TFR isn't published as a daily NOTAM — it activates automatically. Concert events at football stadiums also typically trigger §99.7 because they fall under venue rules.
FAQ
Does §99.7 apply to MLS or college basketball?
No. The current rule covers MLB, NFL, NCAA D-I football, and major motorsports. MLS, NBA, NHL, and college basketball are not included.
Does it apply when there's no game?
No. The TFR only activates 1 hour before to 1 hour after a covered event.
Can I get a waiver to fly during a stadium TFR?
FAA waivers are available for legitimate operational needs but require individual approval and lead time. Most working pilots reschedule rather than wait.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.