NORAD runs airspace intercept exercise before Super Bowl LX

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is supporting a multi-agency operation to secure U.S. airspace during Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, the command said.

As part of its homeland defense mission, NORAD’s Continental U.S. NORAD Region is providing aerospace warning and aerospace control in direct coordination with federal, state, and local authorities. The effort centers on enforcement of a temporary flight restriction established by the Federal Aviation Administration over and around the stadium on game day.

NORAD stated that CONR will monitor and protect the restricted airspace using established air defense procedures designed to ensure safety and maintain control of the air domain during the nationally televised event. The operation is aimed at preventing unauthorized aircraft from entering the restricted zone while minimizing disruption to surrounding air traffic.

According to NORAD, CONR employs a graduated response framework focused on safety, coordination, and de-escalation. The primary objective is to identify potential airspace concerns early and resolve them through communication and control measures, including escorting aircraft out of restricted areas when required.

The air defense mission is integrated into a broader interagency security effort that includes the FAA, the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and state and local law enforcement agencies. Officials said the coordination provides layered security coverage for one of the largest annual public events in the United States.

“This is a total team effort. Just as the teams on the field prepare for Super Bowl LX, NORAD trains every day to defend the homeland. We stand ready to secure the skies – not only over Levi’s Stadium, but across North America — so fans can enjoy one of the year’s biggest sporting events knowing the airspace above them is safe and secure,” said Lieutenant-General Luke Ahmann, commander of CONR.

Colonel Michael Western, commander of the 601st Air Operation Center, said the air defense mission will continue without interruption throughout the event.

“The Super Bowl brings together an enormous amount of coordination, and our team has been deeply engaged from the start. While fans are enjoying the game, our team will be behind the scenes conducting our 24-7 no fail air defense mission to protect the airspace above Levi’s Stadium. As kickoff approaches in Santa Clara, the message from America’s AOC remains the same: you watch the game, we’ll watch the skies,” Western said.

NORAD was established in 1958 as a binational command between the United States and Canada. The organization conducts continuous aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning missions in defense of North America, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Major U.S. sporting events routinely trigger temporary flight restrictions and heightened air defense measures, with NORAD playing a central role in monitoring compliance and responding to violations. Officials emphasize that many airspace violations during such events are unintentional and are resolved through communication with civilian pilots.