"No Drone Zones" will be enforced during World Cup, other major events in Philly this summer

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Federal officials are warning residents and visitors to keep drones grounded this summer as the city prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches and weeks of large-scale festivities.

Philadelphia will host six World Cup matches, including a July 4th semifinal, along with an extended schedule of fan events.

Authorities say drones will not be permitted at stadiums or official gathering sites.

The FBI, working alongside federal and local partners, is implementing "No Drone Zones" around key venues as part of broader security efforts tied to the World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and other high-profile events.

"We just want people to know that we want them to have a good time, and part of them having a good time is just making sure the airspace that is above them is free from devices and objects that should not be there," said Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office.

Drone use will be restricted around Lincoln Financial Field and Lemon Hill, where the city's Fan Fest is scheduled to run for several weeks.

Officials say the new authority is expanding enforcement capabilities. The Safer Skies Act, passed in December, allows trained state and local officers to join FBI-led task forces and take action against unauthorized or dangerous drones.

"They go through dedicated training that is sponsored by the FBI, to understand the capability of the tools and technology that's available to operate it and to operate it, most importantly, in a safe way," Jacobs said.

"You will have folks from the state police, from the Philadelphia Police Department, who have gone through that training and have been deputized as part of a counter UAS task force who will be supporting those events."

Authorities say the evolving nature of drone technology is driving heightened response and awareness. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, on Thursday, cited the proliferation of weaponized drones on the battlefields of Ukraine and Iran and said it is the one threat that "keeps me up at night."

The NYPD is buying $6.5 million in drone mitigation equipment and giving counterterrorism officers special training.

"We are preparing for this threat with the seriousness it deserves," Tisch said.

Officials say coordination is underway across cities hosting matches in the Northeast and nationwide. While many drone users are simply hobbyists seeking photos or video, flying unauthorized and in restricted airspace can lead to significant penalties, including fines, confiscation of equipment, and potential prosecution.

"The important piece here is just educating the public," Jacobs said.

Officials have not shared information on any potential specific threats at this time, but emphasize that precautions are necessary. Drone operators are encouraged to check the Federal Aviation Administration's B4UFLY app for current flight restrictions before flying.