Oklahoma City, OK – A temporary flight restriction has been issued over downtown Oklahoma City tonight as the city hosts Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Paycom Center, prompting increased airspace security measures.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the restriction is active from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. CDT and spans a 0.5-nautical-mile radius from the Wiley Post VOR/DME, encompassing the arena and surrounding areas. The restriction extends from the surface up to 400 feet above ground level.
The Oklahoma City Police Department announced the FAA directive on social media, emphasizing that no drones or unmanned aircraft systems are permitted in the restricted airspace during the game. The FAA classified the restriction under “Special Security Reasons” due to the high-profile nature of the event.
According to the NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) FDC 5/5029, exceptions are limited to operations supporting national defense, law enforcement, firefighting, and other approved governmental interests. Drone operators must have a Special Governmental Interest (SGI) waiver to legally fly in the area.
The FAA warns that unauthorized drone activity could lead to serious consequences, including interception or destruction of the aircraft by federal authorities.
As thousands of fans gather downtown to attend or celebrate Game 5 of the Finals, officials are urging the public to help maintain a secure environment by respecting the flight restrictions.
Full details of the restriction are available through the FAA’s official Temporary Flight Restrictions portal at https://tfr.faa.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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