WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Friday it is designating the Las Vegas Area a "No Drone Zone" for the Feb. 11 Super Bowl as officials tighten security precautions before the National Football League championship game.

The NFL and other U.S. sports leagues have backed a bid by the White House for expanded powers from Congress to detect and disable threatening drones.

"Without a change in federal law, mass gatherings will remain at risk from malicious and unauthorized drone operations," the NFL said in November after a drone disrupted a game in Baltimore. "It’s time for Congress to act."