The Super Bowl XLV seating fiasco isn't going away.
A class action lawsuit against the Dallas Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones and the NFL will proceed after mediation with disgruntled ticket holders failed, according to a report in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
The ticket holders had their seats taken away when Arlington fire officials and inspectors declared unsafe 1,250 of the 13,000 temporary seats installed for the Super Bowl in Arlington.
About 3,200 fans were affected by the seating issues, with some being delayed from getting to their seats and others being assigned seats with obstructed views. About 400 did not get a seat at all.
The NFL initially offered various compensations including refunds of tickets and travel costs, tickets to a future Super Bowl with airfare and hotel, or a $5,000 check - or more with documented expenses.
The disgruntled ticket holders are seeking more than $5 million, plus court costs and interest.
The ticket holders' attorneys filed a motion with a federal court last week seeking to proceed with the cause. The attorneys also accused the NFL of dragging its feat during mediation in order to force a settlement out of court.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy denied those charges, saying that the motion is "frivolous" because the league has acted in good faith and has resolved the majority of the claims through its reimbursement offers.
Regardless, the seating fiasco will continue to be a headache for Jones and the Cowboys.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
