PHOENIX — A move to restrict drone flights near big events is being promoted as a measure to protect public safety.
Sen. Tim Dunn said the operators of Phoenix International Raceway came to him with concerns that drones over their events could become a hazard if they fell into a crowd. So the Yuma Republican agreed to sponsor legislation making it illegal to fly a drone within 400 feet — altitude or distance — from any “ticketed entertainment event.”
Now, however, the legislation, which has picked up the support of NASCAR, the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Live Nation Entertainment, has been expanded to create a 1-mile bubble around sporting events, concerts and any other paid event. That includes any event that is outdoors or at a venue with a retractable roof.
