Congressman Ruiz Introduces Legislation for Temporary Flight Restrictions to Protect Concertgoers at Large Outdoor Events

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. (CA-25) reintroduced the Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act. This common-sense legislation will keep workers, concertgoers, artists, and Valley residents' safe at major concert events in California's 25^th district.

Each year, over one million people attend Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival. Unlike certain sporting venues, there are no statutory authorities that specifically call for the Federal Aviation Administration to restrict airspace around large outdoor concerts and music festivals. This legislation is a huge step towards protecting the safety of festivalgoers and artists across our nation by mandating that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must grant temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) for outdoor concerts or festivals with a daily attendance of 30,000 or more.

As festivalgoers and artists prepare for celebrations, we, as lawmakers, must acknowledge that the safety of these large gatherings is not guaranteed. The open airspace above poses a serious threat. Consider the 2008 incident when an unscheduled airplane dropped confetti-like leaflets over 18 Indio neighborhoods. While seemingly harmless, it is a chilling reminder of potential dangers. In 2024 there were multiple circumstances where planes flew dangerously low above music festivals across the country. We must act decisively to protect festivalgoers and artists from such looming threats, because their safety depends on it.

"The safety and well-being of my constituents', concertgoers, and artists is a top priority. Current law denies California's 25^th districts residents and tourists the same protections that are afforded at major sporting events," said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. (CA-25). "My bill, the Protecting Outdoors Concerts Act will provide festivals - including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival - the same protections as other major events. It is essential that we ensure the safety of the workers, residents, and visitors who attend these events that drive economic growth in our region."

"As Mayor of Indio in California's 25^th Congressional District, home to major outdoor music festivals, I recognize the importance of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for attendee safety. In 2024, Congress authorized TFRs for drone operators over large venues, yet this does not extend to open-air concerts. Audience safety should not vary based on event type. Passing this legislation will protect concertgoers, workers, and residents, while bolstering the economic benefits these festivals bring to our region." - Guadalupe Ramos Amith, Mayor and Councilmember, City of Indio.

"AEG places the highest priority on the safety and enjoyment of our guests," said Martha Saucedo, AEG's Chief External Affairs Officer. "AEG was pleased that the recent FAA Reauthorization law included provisions to bolster FAA's authority to restrict unmanned aircrafts over large outdoor events, including concerts and festivals. The Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act would provide FAA with important added authority to issue similar restrictions for manned aircrafts over large outdoor concerts and festivals, and AEG urges Congress to act on this important bill." - Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc.

"On behalf of the Indio Police Department, I strongly support the Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act. As leaders in law enforcement, our top priority is the safety and security of our communities. H.R. 5827, the Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act, represents a critical step in ensuring that large events, such as outdoor concerts and music festivals, remain not only enjoyable but also safe for all attendees." - Chief of Police Brian Tully, Indio Police Department

Background on the Legislation:

In 2024, Congress enacted legislation specifying that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may only issue temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) to protect individuals or property or to prevent unsafe congestion of aircraft, including drones, near aerial demonstrations or major sporting events. Currently, major concerts are not eligible to apply for TFRs under this law.

This new legislation mandates that the FAA must grant TFRs for outdoor concerts or festivals with a daily attendance of 30,000 or more.

For example, in 2024, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival drew 250,841 attendees over its various weekends. Specifically, the Stagecoach country music festival hosted 89,003 attendees, while Coachella welcomed 161,838 over its two weekends.

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