49ers Face Backlash Over ADA Seating at Levi’s Stadium

URGENT UPDATE: The San Francisco 49ers are under fire for inadequate ADA seating at Levi’s Stadium following a viral social media post by influencer Kevin Ortiz. During a recent game against the Atlanta Falcons, Ortiz, who uses a wheelchair, exposed serious accessibility issues that could affect countless fans.

Ortiz is on a mission to visit every NFL stadium this season, but his experience at Levi’s Stadium raised red flags about how wheelchair users are treated. He reported significant challenges in securing ADA seating, primarily because most accessible spots are reserved for season ticket holders, often resold at exorbitant prices.

“I know I had this issue, but I did have an amazing time. Shoutout to Levi’s because they did end up getting me seats,” Ortiz stated after finally securing a spot. “The normal person probably would have gotten the pushback and just left. That’s what kind of upsets me too.”

Ortiz typically buys standard tickets and attempts to exchange them for ADA seating on game day, a strategy that has worked at other venues. However, he faced obstacles at Levi’s, where the 49ers informed him that they review accessibility seating exchanges about a week in advance.

“As far as the ADA seating, I think they should hold a certain number of seats for day-of access,” Ortiz suggested, advocating for a first-come, first-served policy for wheelchair users.

His experience highlights a broader issue affecting many wheelchair users, emphasizing the need for fair access to sporting events. The 49ers have acknowledged the criticisms and are reportedly working to improve ADA seating for next season, amidst growing concerns about the resale of these tickets, sometimes exceeding $1,000.

Ortiz aims to raise awareness about accessibility challenges, underscoring that individuals with disabilities deserve equal access to events. “People in this world with all shapes and sizes… want to go to these events,” he said, urging for adequate seating for fans with disabilities.

In response to the coverage of these ADA seating concerns, the 49ers have initiated discussions with affected families to address the issues and ensure better accessibility at Levi’s Stadium moving forward.

As this situation develops, fans and advocates alike are watching closely to see if the 49ers will implement the necessary changes to improve the experience for wheelchair users and enhance overall accessibility at their venue.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story as the 49ers work to address the pressing concerns surrounding ADA seating.