Appeal Filed by 49ers Fan Who Sued NFL and Lost

A San Francisco 49ers fan who sued the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks and Ticketmaster because he was barred from buying playoff tickets has appealed a judge’s order to dismiss the case.

John Williams III of Las Vegas filed the $50 million lawsuit in federal court in April, claiming the practice of limiting ticket sales to people who only live in certain geographic areas violates the Federal Consumer Fraud Act.

Williams claimed tickets to the Jan. 19 NFC Championship Game between Seattle and San Francisco were limited to people with credit cards in the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii.

The NFL said the suit should be dismissed, arguing it was not involved. The Seahawks said they had no obligation to ensure all fans have ticket access. On Oct. 31 a judge dismissed the case. Williams filed an appeal in late November with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.