Updated Feb. 3, 2021
Super Bowl LV – Tampa, FL – Feb. 7, 2021
If your business plans take you to the Tampa/St Petersburg, FL area the first week of February, be aware that the FAA has provided a special events web page for procedures outlining special air traffic management Plans for area airports. Super Bowl LV takes place Sunday, Feb. 7 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
Due to COVID-19, attendance at the Super Bowl has been reduced to 25% capacity. Despite the lower numbers of attendees, users should remain prepared for the same level of special procedures surrounding the week of Feb 3-9, and a likely increase in air traffic.
Procedures are established into 17 Tampa-area airports, and a reservation program to facilitate ground services will be in effect at participating airports for the week. Operators are encouraged to contact their FBO of choice and ensure a reservation prior to arriving in the area.
The following information has been gathered to add to your resources to assist business aviation flights planning on operating into and out of the Tampa metropolitan area during the published timeframes.
Additionally, special air traffic procedures to enhance the efficiency and safety of the anticipated increase in aircraft operations and minimize delays will be in effect for the following airports:
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- St. Pete/Clearwater International (PIE)
- Lakeland Linder International (LAL)
- Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ)
- Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional (BKV)
- Tampa Executive (VDF)
- Clearwater Air Park (CLW)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Pilot County (X05)
- Albert Whitted (SPG)
- Zephyrhills Municipal (ZPH)
- Peter O Knight (TPF)
- Tampa North Aero Park (X39)
- Plant City (PCM)
- Bartow Executive (BOW)
- Winter Haven Regional (GIF)
- South Lakeland (X49)
- Venice Municipal (VNC)
Required Route Structures for Arrivals and Departures
Preferred IFR arrival routes to the region must be followed during the arrival phase from Wednesday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, Feb. 7. These routes apply to:
TPA/PIE/VDF/TPF/SRQ/VNC/LAL/PCM/BKV/SPG/MCO
View the arrival route segments.
Preferred IFR departure routes from the region must be followed during the departure phase from Sunday, Feb. 7 at 0300z through Monday, Feb. 8 at 0100z.
View the departure route segments.
Super Bowl LV Special Event TFR on Game Day
A special event TFR NOTAM has been published for Super Bowl LV. It outlines the specific impacts associated with the temporary flight restrictions (TFR). The TFR will prohibit general aviation operations at Tampa International Airport (TPA), Peter O Knight Airport (TPF), St Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa Executive Airport (VDF) from 5:30 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. local EST (2230z-0459z).
A gateway airport has been established at the Tampa International Airport (TPA) by TSA to accommodate aircraft departing during the TFR from 1730 local (2230z) until 2330 local (0430z/08) on Feb 7, 2021.
Operators must register with TSA for gateway screening no less than 24 hours prior to their scheduled departure time by calling TSA at 813-227-4040.
Departure/outbound gateway screening is available at the following TPA locations:
- Signature Flight Support
- SheltAir
Details on the Super Bowl LV TFR are also available on the NBAA VIP TFR NOTAM Impact webpage.
FAA ATC Air Traffic Management Initiatives
While air traffic volumes are likely to be lower than in years past, crews should still anticipate air traffic management initiatives throughout the week. The most likely period of time of peak volumes for arrivals are Saturday, Feb 6, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb 7, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Peak times for departure volumes are Sunday, Feb 7, from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. and Monday, Feb 8, from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Crews can lower opportunities for possible delays and initiatives by scheduling around these time periods if flexible. FAA initiatives could include the following:
- Ground delay programs
- Airspace flow programs
- Time-based metering
- Miles-in-trail
- Airborne holding
- Ground stops
Visit the FAA’s resource page for more information.
FAA ATC Air Traffic Management Initiatives
Crews can expect air traffic management Initiatives throughout the week which may include the following:
- Ground-delay programs
- Airspace-flow programs
- Time-based metering
- Miles-in-trail
- Airborne holding
- Ground stops
Additional Information
The FAA has published a useful web page that contains air traffic management related information and other useful links for the Miami area airspace and airports. It will be updated as needed as additional information becomes available.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.