The Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which Argentina won 1-0, was marked by chaotic scenes on Sunday after thousands of fans, mainly Colombians, violated several access points to try to enter the venue without tickets.
A viral video showing the state of an escalator inside the stadium gives an idea of the pitched battle that took place inside the stadium.
The match, which was scheduled to start promptly at 8:00 pm (local time), was delayed by one hour and 22 minutes due to a massive influx of ticketless fans who tried to force their way into the stadium, leading to the gates being closed.
Since hours before the match, the security gates of the Hard Rock Stadium They were overwhelmed by fans who tried to force their way in, causing panic and disorganization.
This meant that many people who had tickets were left out when the doors closed.
Videos posted on social media showed fans in Colombian colours jumping over the entrance barriers and running to avoid being detained by police and stadium security personnel.
Some people even fainted, according to images posted online.
Some even managed to enter through the air conditioning ducts of the premises.
The shouting and pushing were constant.
There were reports of people receiving medical attention due to the extreme heat, which reached temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, and the crowding at the entrances.
The situation escalated to the point where Conmebol had to issue a statement indicating that “people without tickets will not be able to enter the stadium. Only those with purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is enabled again.”
Despite this, many fans with tickets also found it difficult to get in as the crowds overwhelmed the entrances.
Stadium security and local police were overwhelmed and several fans felt that the United States is not ready to host a World Cup, something they want to do in 2026.
The situation caused the police to temporarily close the stadium gates, trying to control the crowd that was gathering at the entrances.
Miami-Dade County police issued a statement saying that “these incidents have been the result of unruly behavior by fans attempting to access the stadium.” They also warned that there would be “zero tolerance” for those who did not respect the rules, which could result in ejections and arrests.
The stands, initially half-empty, filled up as fans managed to get in. However, the disorder and lack of control were evident, generating criticism of the event’s organization and the security arrangements for the Copa America final.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Public Safety Chief James Reyes also spoke out about the chaos at the Copa America final:
“We are outraged by the unprecedented events at tonight’s Copa America final. The Copa America final is hosted by Conmebol, and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) is providing security support along with other law enforcement agencies,” Levine Cava wrote.
“Tonight, MDPD has deployed more than 550 officers to the stadium, including our Priority Response Team, and is utilizing every resource possible to ensure a safe experience for all attendees. Additionally, MDPD has brought in additional personnel from other jurisdictions to support the safety and well-being of everyone,” he added.
