Canada’s Baseball Fever and Why Drone Pilots Should Pay Attention

It’s hard to overstate just how big this moment is for the Toronto Blue Jays and by extension, for Canada. From coast-to-coast the buzz is building. But with that spotlight comes responsibility, especially for drone operators flying around the downtown Toronto skyline and venues like Rogers Centre. Below I’ll walk through the excitement of the Jays’ postseason run, the specific risks for drone pilots in and around the stadium, and clear guidance from a drone-services perspective.

SFOC✅ TC Approved✅ Parachute✅ Advanced Licence✅

Why This Moment Matters for Canada

• The Blue Jays are more than just a Toronto team; they're the only Canadian franchise in Major League Baseball, so the country rallies behind them in a unique way.

• The narrative goes deeper: beyond sport, it’s about Canadian identity on an international stage. One article put it: “This is Canada’s team.”

• And for many fans, this run brings a long-awaited resurgence of baseball excitement, especially after some lean years.

  
  

So as drones hover, cameras roll, and content is created all across Toronto, remember: the city is alive for this. The skyline, the stadium, the crowd, it's an event. That means extra eyes, heavier enforcement, more risk of being inadvertently in the wrong spot.

The Drone Rules You MUST Follow

Operating drones during a big event (especially around the Rogers Centre, downtown Toronto, or large gatherings) means you should elevate your caution. Here are key regulatory points from Transport Canada and other sources that drone operators need to have front of mind:

1. Pilot Certification & Drone Registration

   • If your drone weighs more than 250 g, you’ll need both a pilot licence and a registered drone number before taking off. And here’s something many new pilots miss, unless your drone is equipped with an approved parachute system, you can’t legally fly over people. Around the Rogers Centre, that’s nearly impossible to avoid, so flying there without the proper certification and equipment is a big no-go.

   • There’s also a 5.1 NOTAM currently in place, meaning no one can fly in that zone without official permission from Toronto Police, Transport Canada, and the authority that issued the NOTAM. 

   • Even small drones aren’t off the hook, every pilot is expected to know the rules and fly safely.

     
     

2. Where You Can & Cannot Fly

   • You cannot fly near or over “advertised events” (such as large sporting events, concerts) without a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) that allows it.

   • In dense urban zones like downtown Toronto, many areas are restricted or require permission, especially near airports or buildings like the CN Tower and Rogers Centre.

     
     

3. Penalties & Fines Are Real

   • Flying without certification, registration, or in restricted zones can lead to thousands of dollars in fines.

   • During the 2025 Postseason in Toronto, there have been more than 10 fines given out by TPS around Rogers Centre.

Misha on CP24 explaining the dangers of flying near the Rogers Centre

What Drone Pilots Shouldn’t Do During This Postseason

Given the context, the Blue Jays are in postseason mode, crowds are bigger, media & security are heightened. Here are things you absolutely should avoid so that you stay in the clear:

• Don’t fly above or over the Rogers Centre or the crowd without express authorization. This includes hovering directly over the stadium, over pedestrian walkways entering/exiting the game, or during pre/post-game celebrations. Large gatherings + aerial drones = red flag.

  
  

• Don’t assume “I’ll just fly low/slow, I won’t bother anyone.” Even low-altitude flights can interfere with event operations or be misinterpreted as a security risk. The rule about “advertised events” is clear.

  
  

• Don’t ignore airspace & local restrictions. Downtown Toronto is complex: airport proximities, tall buildings, crowded public spaces. The standard “fly in an open field” scenario doesn’t apply.

  
  

• Don’t fly without having done your due diligence. Before you fly: check if the event (game, crowd gathering) is covered by special certificate requirements; check your category of operation (basic vs advanced); verify no local municipal by-laws override the federal rules. 

Flying near the Rogers Centre in 2022

Practical Checklist for First Class Drones During the Playoff Run

To help pilots position itself for success and compliance during this exciting time, here’s a tailored checklist:

• Confirm what type of licence you have (basic or advanced) and make sure it aligns with the operation you’re doing in/around the event.

• Register every drone you plan to fly and make sure you have a parachute authorized by Transport Canada.

• Verify the take-off and operating zones around the Rogers Centre and other city locations. Ensure your planned flight is allowed, or obtain the necessary permissions, and confirm that there are no active 5.1 NOTAMs in effect.

• If filming around the stadium on game day: treat it as an “advertised event.” Unless you have an SFOC and permission from the authority that issued the NOTAM, you should not be flying directly over that event zone.

• Plan your flight timing and take-off/landing zone outside crowded pedestrian areas, away from large groups.

• Have a documented safety plan, and carry it on the job. Knowing you’re in compliance builds public trust and minimizes legal exposure.

• If you get an inquiry or law-enforcement attention (drone-safety inspections increase during big events), be ready to show: your pilot certificate, drone registration, flight plan, risk mitigation steps, and flight approval.

Panorama from 200 Queens Quay

Final Thoughts

The Toronto Blue Jays are back in the World Series and the entire country is buzzing. From downtown Toronto to coast to coast, fans are flooding the streets, waving flags, and celebrating Canada’s team. It’s an incredible moment to capture the energy of the city, but drone pilots need to remember that excitement doesn’t override safety or the law.

If you’re flying anywhere near the Rogers Centre, do not take off without the proper permissions and clear understanding of Transport Canada’s regulations. The airspace is highly restricted, and flights over crowds or stadiums are strictly prohibited without an approved Special Flight Operations Certificate.

This is a time to celebrate, not to risk fines or public safety. Enjoy the Blue Jays’ run, stay grounded, and show that drone pilots can match the same class and precision that Canada’s team is showing on the field.