According to Forbes, the National Football League (NFL) and fans have finally reached an agreement to settle the case to dismiss a dispute between the two parties in a four-year legal battle.
As the business magazine noted, on March 9, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the first and second motions were filed by the NFL for full judgment summary, respectively, urging the court to rule for claims asserted by ticket holders before the trial.
Four years ago, several fans sued the NFL over seating problems, misleading seating arrangements for ticket holders who purchased tickets to attend the Super Bowl XLV game between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers at AT&T Stadium, the home of Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas in 2011.
The plaintiffs, who filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL over breach of contract, fraud and deceptive sales practices, sought approximately $5 million in damages at the time.
Ticket holders accused NFL over seating issues
The plaintiffs originally alleged in a lawsuit that the NFL failed its ability to communicate with the fans concerning unavailable seats, which forced about 400 ticket holders to move to standing-room locations that offered no seats. The NFL was aware of the seating situation, but the league remained silent and made a statement implying that temporary seats were deemed unsafe.
Other ticket holders were also expressing displeasure when seats had obstructed views for them.
Ultimately, the NFL decided to offer several options to displeased ticket holders. Some of the league's alternative offers for individuals included obtaining a free ticket to attend the 2012 Super Bowl along with $2,400 in compensation and obtaining a ticket to attend any future Super Bowl along with round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations, and among others.
Attorneys rejected the offers.
Federal jury's order to NFL: Award $76,000 to ticket holders
In 2015, a federal jury in Dallas commanded the NFL to grant $76,000 in combined damages to ticket holders who confronted seating problems at Super Bowl XLV. However, according to the local newspaper's report, the jury rejected the plaintiffs' speculation of the league committing fraud to ticket holders.
In an effort to avert a public relations disaster, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged publicly that it was a complete failure on the league's behalf and he took full responsibility for the ticket mess. Goodell used the videotaped testimony as a part of his disposition.
Jerry Jones, who owns the Dallas Cowboys since 1989, also expressed regret over seating issues affecting ticket holders. Jone said in a hearing that, while temporary seats were built in the 80,000-seat stadium, the NFL denied his recommendation to sell standing-room tickets to fans at Super Bowl XLV.
NFL paid out $20 million in attorney fees on Super Bowl XLV cases
Lawyer Michael Avenatti told the PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio that there were several cases with 150 claims remaining, and their appeals are pending in the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Avenatti, a Cowboys season ticket holder who also attended Super Bowl XLV, said more than $20 million is being spent by NFL in attorney fees related to Super Bowl XLV cases.
