UPDATE: Influencer and disability advocate Kevin Ortiz has publicly criticized the San Francisco 49ers over their inadequate ADA seating policy at Levi’s Stadium during a game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 19, 2025. This urgent issue highlights ongoing challenges faced by wheelchair users at major sporting events.
During his visit, Ortiz, who is on a mission to attend all 32 NFL stadiums in one season, encountered significant obstacles in securing wheelchair-accessible seating. Despite the stadium being advertised as sold out, Ortiz and his companion were initially told they could not be accommodated. Following pressure through social media and in-person advocacy, they were eventually provided with seats in an empty ADA section reserved for “TV,” which was devoid of any film crew.
Ortiz’s experience sheds light on a troubling trend: approximately 90% of the ADA seats at Levi’s Stadium are reportedly held by season ticket holders who resell them at inflated prices, sometimes quadrupling their original cost. Ortiz noted that he typically navigates these challenges by purchasing general tickets and exchanging them for ADA seating at the venue—a practice that had worked smoothly at other stadiums throughout the season.
The 49ers have acknowledged the need for improvement in their ADA seating policies. However, the organization has a troubling history, including a $24 million settlement from a class action lawsuit in 2020, which mandated that ADA seats must be available for online purchase. The stadium is currently facing another lawsuit related to ADA compliance, which it sought to dismiss unsuccessfully last year.
“I want to be the first person with a spinal cord injury to attend all 32 NFL games in one season,”
Ortiz stated in his first video of the series. His mission aims to expose the barriers wheelchair users face and to pressure NFL teams into enhancing their customer service and seating policies for fans with disabilities.
The ongoing scrutiny of the 49ers and their seating policies underscores the importance of accessibility in public venues, especially as Ortiz documents his journey across the NFL landscape. His advocacy not only highlights personal challenges but also calls on the league to create a more inclusive environment for all fans.
As Ortiz continues his travels, the urgency for NFL teams to address ADA compliance remains critical. Going forward, all eyes will be on the 49ers to see how they respond to this growing call for change. Fans and disability advocates alike are poised to monitor the situation closely, hoping for significant improvements in the near future.
