On September 17, the Federal Aviation Administration granted the NFL permission for drone usage, but with this came several conditions. Drones are not to be used during games, only over empty stadiums to shoot films, documentaries and television sports.
The NFL is the first major U.S sports league to receive approval of drones. The drone must weigh less than 55 pounds, travel no faster than 100 miles per hour, and it cannot fly more than 400 feet above the ground.
With Super Bowl 50 already being monumental, the approval by the FAA is just another addition to the NFL’s successful adaptation to keep up with changing technology. But Santa Clara has enacted a new law that says there will be a half-mile no-fly-zone drone ban over Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl 50. The law hopes to reduce drone threats for the Super Bowl.
Jennifer Yamaguma, public communications manager for the city of Santa Clara explained, “Because drones do pose a threat to public safety, that was the catalyst that brought forward this ordinance to the council. This is an object that can really lead to a real threat.”
These precautions are understandable because the Levi’s Stadium only wants to keep everyone safe during the Super Bowl. Although it may seem like a step backwards with technology because of the limitations, the drones are adding another level to NFL Films.
“For the NFL, we want to embrace technology and initiatives in any way that can really affect our entire ecosystem,” said Vishal Shah, the league’s vice president of media strategy and business development. “That’s from the players and their health and safety, to the coaches in training of the players, to the fan experiences.”
The drones will be able to bring a new perspective of games to anyone invested in the NFL. Coaches and players will receive new angels to watch plays. And fans can get a closer look in the game.
It seems like everyday we hear of the latest technology improving the training or experience of sports. Drone usage in the NFL is newest advancement and it will continue to evolve. It won’t be long before other leagues will use drones, but as of now, safety comes first.