This year’s Super Bowl is anticipated to be even bigger and better than ever because it is the 50th edition. But, the celebrating won’t be the only thing amplified- so will the security measures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has declared a flight advisory in honor of the game day. All unauthorized aircrafts are not prohibited above the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Specifically, flights up to 17,999 feet, within a 37-mile radius of stadium are off-limits from 2pm-12am on game day February 7th.
Even drones are banned. In December, the national drone registration system was created to keep track of drones that fly in no-fly drones. So far, 300,000 drone owners have paid the $5 registration fee. Drones pose some other threats, besides getting in the way on game day. They could cause injuries to members of the crowd, or worse play a part in a more orchestrated mass attack by terrorists. But, drones may be the least of their worries.
Similar safety precautions were in place for last year’s Super Bowl. However, this year’s Super Bowl has more threats from the West to worry about.
In October of 2015, it was confirmed that ISIS added chemical weapons, including mustard gas, to its repertoire of mass destruction. To put things in an even more chilling perspective, just 45 gallons of this chemical dropped via aerosol over a stadium could either severely burn, disfigure or kill over 100,000 people. It was also confirmed that the Islamic State has not only the resources and funds for these weapons, but they also have chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear experts in the organization.
Not to mention, the recent attacks on fiber-optic systems in California have been suspected by government officials as part of a bigger plot by terrorists on Super Bowl day. Allegedly terrorists could have been testing the system’s strength before the game. With these recent events, it’s safe to say that civilians and the authorities should be on high alert this upcoming Super Bowl Sunday.