North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighters from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) will be busy during Super Bowl LI protecting the skies around the NRG Stadium in Houston on game day.

Air Force fighter aircraft and aircrews will ensure safety of the skies as they keep watch on the Federal Aviation Administration’s temporary flight-restricted zone during Sunday’s big game.

Lt. Gen. Scott Williams, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, explained that CONR provides air defense for the protection of the continental United States including events such as the State of the Union Address, United Nations General Assemblies, and the Super Bowl.

“Super Bowl 51 marks the 16th year that the men and women of the Continental U.S. NORAD Region and America’s Air Operations Center (AOC) have worked hand in hand with our interagency air defense partners to protect the skies over the game,” Williams said.  “The Federal Aviation Administration has established temporary flight restriction, or TFR, airspace around NRG Stadium. NORAD, along with Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement, will enforce that restriction ensuring the safety of those on the ground.”

In addition to the FAA, NORAD partners with the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and state and local law enforcement. This interagency partnership helps ensure the safety of the skies over the stadium.

“Our team here at the Continental U.S. NORAD Region and the AOC have been diligently working with our interagency partners at the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Civil Air Patrol, and local law enforcement for months to prepare for Sunday’s big game,” said Col. John Ferry, 601st AOC commander. “Air defense for the nation is a 24-7 no fail mission. As millions gather around their televisions to watch one of the year’s biggest sporting events, we want people to enjoy the game knowing that NORAD has the watch!”

NORAD is responsible for detecting, deterring, defending and if necessary, defeating any aviation threat to the citizens of the United States and to U.S. critical infrastructure.

NORAD flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat. It’s a mission that’s occurred for every Super Bowl since 2002. 

“When both teams take the field and prepare for the biggest game of the year, rest assured there is another team hard at work defending the skies over head, the members of the Continental U.S. NORAD Region and America’s AOC,” Williams said.

Further information on the temporary flight restriction in place over NRG Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday or other temporary flight restrictions in place around the United States can be found at www.faa.gov.