Bill seeks to bolster stadium security

Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) introduced last week the Stadiums Operating under New Guidance (SONG) Act, which empowers the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue temporary flight restrictions for stadium concerts and other events.

“Whether Tennesseans are going to a concert or a UT Vols football game, they should be able to enjoy the fun without worrying about unsafe skies,” Blackburn, who joins Markey on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said. “This Drone Safety Awareness Week, we are introducing the SONG Act so that stadium patrons across the country can trust they’ll be out of harm’s way while they are at a special event.”

Markey said the bill addresses the risk of someone crashing a drone or dropping a dangerous payload on crowds of innocent people.

“Although the FAA can currently restrict the airspace over sporting events, they don’t have the same authority for different kinds of events, even at the same venue,” Markey said. “The SONG Act will remove this limit and allow the FAA to protect fans gathered at stadiums like Fenway Park, no matter whether they’re there to see the Red Sox or their favorite band. I thank Sen. Blackburn for her partnership on this essential legislation.”

Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern said the organization believes the safety of music fans is just as critical as that of sports fans and is grateful for the lawmakers’ support.