The Seattle Seahawks do not want the Los Angeles Rams or San Francisco 49ers to takeover the crowd at Lumen Field for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. They preemptively issued a warning to their fans about the resale of their season tickets.
There will be consequences.
This new policy has sparked a debate about the freedom of ownership. Should NFL fans be allowed to do what they want with their property or does the team have the right to dictate how the tickets will be used at its own stadium?
The Seattle Seahawks will host a home playoff game.
Two different scenarios exist as of Sunday morning. Seattle will be the home team for the Divisional Round of the playoffs either way.
The Seahawks will play the Rams if the Eagles beat the 49ers in the Wild Card. The Seahawks will play the 49ers if the 49ers beat the Eagles in the Wild Card. Both games will be played at Lumen Field.
Regardless of what happens, Seattle obviously wants the largest home-field advantage possible. Players should not look out into the stands to see a sea of red and/or gold. It should not even be close. At least 85% of the crowd should be rooting for the Seahawks. At least.
With that in mind, the organization recently sent out a letter to its season ticket holders who are trying to sell their seats for the playoff game. They will be punished accordingly.
“Our records indicate that your seats for the upcoming Divisional Round Playoff game are currently posted for resale. As communicated prior to the 2025 season, 2026 renewal eligibility may be impacted if it is determined that your season tickets, including playoff games, were used primarily for resale purposes. To avoid any impact to your renewal eligibility, we ask that your remove your resale listing and ensure your tickets are used by another 12. We encourage you to distribute your tickets directly to friends, family members, neighbors or community groups that will help us pack Lumen Field with blue and green.”
You’ve been warned!
Did NFL fans purchased the right to sell their tickets?
I personally love this policy. Seattle wants Seattle fans to attend Seattle games in Seattle. That makes sense to me.
The policy was established prior to the season upon purchase of the tickets. The season ticket holders knew what they signed up for when they bought their seats. It was in the contract. Completely legal.
If Seahawks fans wanted to keep their seats for next season and beyond, they can not use them primarily for resale purposes. Otherwise, they run the risk of not being allowed to renew in the future.
That seems fair to me. In fact, I think more teams should be doing this in all sports on all levels! If you purchase a season ticket, you must be there for the season. Or find someone in your greater circle of fandom who will support your team in your absence.
However, there is an argument to be made that this policy should not exist.
Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette questions whether this should be allowed. He thinks he should be allowed to whatever he wants with the tickets he purchased because he purchased the tickets.
“I paid for a ticket – I repeat for those who don’t understand capitalism, I paid for a ticket and the team got my money – and I can do whatever the heck I want with it,” Zeise wrote on X.
On the flip side of the capitalism conversation, it is well within the rights of the team to then refuse future business with that individual. Especially after they warned them in advance.
Zeise agrees but he thinks it is a “bush league” policy. I disagree. Don’t buy season tickets if you don’t want to support your team. Especially in this situation.
The Seahawks are preventing a takeover by the 49ers, which they are known to do. That’s a good thing.