Super Bowl XLV Seat Blunder: A Fan's Perspective On Pending Litigation

We have heard about the seating fiasco in Dallas/Arlington, Texas.  

1,250 fans were impacted, with 400 said fans not having a seat, perch or standing spot to watch the game live. There was no warning prior to arrival, leaving fans shuffled and unsettled when they should have been enjoying their pre-game experience.

Some fans are leveling blame on the NFL, while others point directly at Jerry Jones. After all, had he not been pushing for an attendance record, the substandard seating would not have been sold.  

The law firm of Eagan Avenatti, which has filed suit on behalf of the fans, believes there is plenty of blame to be shared. While the initial filing seeks $5 million in actual restitution, punitive and other damages could push that number over $20 million.

News reports and blogs have been all over this story. Some say the offerings from the NFL are more than adequate; others contend they don't go far enough.  

The fact is, only the fans that were there and treated like the cattle Texas is known for really know what it will take to make them feel whole.

Affected fans that have been "damaged" are offering some perspective, but comments are tempered or slanted as they consider their legal options. For many fans, this was their first Super Bowl, and who knows when/if they will have another opportunity to cheer their team on football's grandest stage.

As a Seattle Seahawk fan that attended Super Bowl XL in Detroit, I have a different perspective than many. Yes, that Super Bowl was unique for Seahawk fans, as it was our first appearance. Still, time was taken off work and away from my family. More time and effort went into finding tickets to the game and making travel arrangements.   

For many, the hardest part of attending the Super Bowl is the financial cost. Secondary market tickets cost $2,000 or more for a Super Bowl. Airfare, lodging, food, souvenirs and minimal entertainment can easily cost fans another $2,000 for their experience.

In 2006, the time and money that went into the trip was forgotten upon clearing security and entering the Ford Field complex. The atmosphere was electric and time was available to soak in the ambiance and visit souvenir stands and the pro shop.  

I also enjoyed comparing Detroit's new stadium to Qwest Field (the anticipation of exploring Cowboys Stadium would have been much greater).    

The days leading up to the game were enjoyable, but are irrelevant compared to six hours spent in the stadium.

Had this been supplanted by a security official telling me: "I'm sorry, but your seat is no longer available," some of the experience would have been lost. 850 of the fans were at least able to experience the crowd and arguably the NFL's grandest stadium.  

If I was part of that group I would have felt "wronged," but would have also been relieved to still be a part of the game. The offered compensation seems appropriate for this group.

However, 400 fans were led around the stadium, moved around and eventually put in a pen where they couldn't see the field. Had I not felt like I was part of the 12th Man, there would have been little point in being there.

Despite assurances from the NFL, it also appears that food was not readily available to these fans. Suddenly, the experience would have been better spent at home.  

Some affected fans did have the unique opportunity to get on the field after the game and get close to the Packers. However, that is little consolation, particularly if you are a Steeler fan.

The Cowboys didn't make the postseason; the venue was clear for 30 days to allow all preparations to be made.

The NFL dropped the ball. They need to step up.

Before we condemn the patrons for being unhappy with the solutions offered, imagine that was your Super Bowl experience. Jerry Jones and the NFL owed the fans more.  

Financial compensation won't give them the experience and memory they deserve, so it should at least ensure another great memory can be purchased. And reimburse the cost of this one, as it is far from the one anticipated.