A family attending the San Francisco 49ers game on Sunday night reported a clash with Levi’s Stadium security, claiming they were stopped from entering because of a MAGA hat. In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, the family says they faced a lengthy argument with security over the hat before eventually being allowed inside.
The woman in the video explained that they had passed security and ticket scans when a guard stopped them and said they could not enter unless the hat was removed or discarded. The family’s protest reportedly lasted between 30 and 45 minutes, causing them to miss the beginning of the game. Support from fellow fans, however, helped keep spirits up as they waited for the issue to be resolved.
The family expressed disappointment in Levi’s Stadium management, with the woman saying the experience left them feeling “discriminated against.” She described it as an “eye opener” and voiced her frustration in the video caption, tagging the 49ers’ social media accounts. The incident has since caught the attention of conservative outlets that have highlighted it as an example of political bias.
Adding to the irony, the MAGA hat appeared again at the game—this time on the field, as linebacker Joey Bosa humorously wore the hat during a post-game interview, drawing laughs from teammates, including George Kittle.
The controversy has led to a broader discussion on the role of political expression in sports settings. While some argue that fans should be free to wear whatever they choose, others contend that politically charged clothing can be divisive in a shared entertainment space.
The 49ers organization has not released a comment on the incident, but the family’s story has fueled a growing debate about freedom of expression, particularly in liberal cities like San Francisco where certain symbols are viewed as controversial.