UPDATE: Influencer and disability advocate Kevin Ortiz is speaking out against the San Francisco 49ers after a troubling experience with ADA seating at Levi’s Stadium during their game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 19, 2025. Ortiz, a wheelchair user, faced significant barriers accessing wheelchair-accessible seating, sparking urgent calls for change.
During his visit to the stadium in Santa Clara, California, Ortiz found that 90% of the ADA seats were held by season ticket holders who resell them at exorbitant prices. In one of his videos, he described how he typically navigates these challenges by purchasing regular tickets and exchanging them for accessible seating at the venue—an approach that had worked for him in previous games this season.
Upon arrival, Ortiz and his companion were initially told the game was sold out and ADA accommodations were unavailable. After persistent efforts both in person and through social media, they were eventually provided with seats in an empty ADA section meant for filming, despite no crew being present.
KRON4 reports that the 49ers claim they are working to improve their ADA policy, but the organization has a problematic history. In 2020, they agreed to a $24 million settlement in a class action lawsuit due to similar allegations, which mandated that ADA seats be made available for online purchase. Currently, a second ADA lawsuit is pending that the team unsuccessfully attempted to dismiss last year.
In his mission, Ortiz aims to be the first person with a spinal cord injury to attend all 32 NFL games in a single season. He emphasizes that his journey is about raising awareness of the challenges wheelchair users face and compelling NFL teams to enhance their customer service and seating policies for individuals with disabilities.
The public outcry following Ortiz’s experience highlights an urgent need for improved accessibility in sports venues, reinforcing the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in professional sports. As Ortiz continues his travels, all eyes will be on the 49ers to see how they respond to these pressing concerns regarding ADA compliance.
Stay tuned for more developments as Ortiz shares his journey and advocates for change across the NFL.
