San Francisco, United States. Super Bowl LX security preparations at Levi’s Stadium have brought a large law enforcement presence to the San Francisco Bay Area, including unfamiliar low-flying aircraft supporting security operations.
Expanded security effort across the region
The deployment of military-style hardware is part of a region-wide effort to provide security for more than one million people, including celebrities and other dignitaries, expected to attend the Super Bowl and related parties ahead of Sunday’s game.
Specialized aircraft and radiological detection flights
Aircraft being deployed include a helicopter flown by the Energy Department’s Nuclear Emergency Support Team equipped with radiological detection equipment, which was spotted by Reuters flying at roughly 100 feet (30 meters) over some San Francisco neighborhoods.
DHS aviation support and surveillance capabilities
The Department of Homeland Security plans to fly transport and surveillance helicopters to provide tactical team support and aerial monitoring as needed. From an undisclosed Bay Area airfield, the Air and Marine Operations unit plans to field Airbus AIR.PA AS350 surveillance helicopters in the days ahead of and during the NFL championship game.
The Airbus helicopters carry infrared detection equipment and video surveillance. On a practice flight with a two-person air crew, Reuters was able to determine what brand of shoes a worker inside the Super Bowl stadium was wearing as the helicopter circled more than 250 feet (76 meters) in the air.
An Air and Marine Operations agent, whose name Reuters was asked to withhold due to security concerns, said the unit has been providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance air security around the Super Bowl and its venues. On Sunday, the unit will also enforce no-fly zones around the stadium in addition to crowd control.
Multi-agency coordination and coastal deployment
Among the complexities for the 35 agencies involved is that Levi’s Stadium is in Santa Clara, 50 miles (80.5 km) south of San Francisco, where most events leading up to the game take place.
While the stadium is inland, the U.S. Coast Guard has increased its deployment because of potential risks in the bay and events being held along the San Francisco waterfront.
How do you expect expanded air and maritime security measures to affect travel and activity around the Bay Area during Super Bowl events?