Fans enter Hard Rock Stadium without tickets for the Copa America final

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – Fans without tickets for Sunday’s Copa America final climbed over the fence and passed security more than an hour before the Argentina-Colombia match at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff of the match had to be delayed to 9:15 pm ET due to the conditions.

A spokesperson for the stadium released a statement just after 2 a.m. ET on Monday, saying that stadium officials, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and law enforcement officials are working on opening the stadium gates to all fans to prevent stampedes and serious injuries. Have decided. The gates were closed after the risk of being crushed by fans was reduced, but the venue was packed and the gates were not reopened.

“We understand that there are disappointed ticket holders who were unable to enter the stadium following the perimeter closure, and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns,” the statement said. “Ultimately, nothing is more important than the health and safety of all guests and employees, and that will always be our priority.”

At least 10-15 people were arrested, a law enforcement official said. Other fans trying to enter improperly were escorted out of the gate, but not arrested.

USA TODAY Sports saw at least seven people receiving treatment by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue near the ramp entering the stadium. People looked distressed and had red faces and were given water bottles while sitting on the ground and along the low wall.

Tensions increased further as fans of both teams waited outside the stadium due to the scorching sun and heat, with temperatures at least over 90 degrees. To get relief from the heat, an umbrella was placed outside the gate to provide shade. Thick clouds blocked the sun about 40 minutes before kick-off, but the heat had already left its mark on the eager fans.

At 8:11 pm local time, the security gates were opened and fans flocked to the entrances. It is unclear whether fans also had their tickets scanned when entering.

“In collaboration with CONMEBOL and law enforcement officials, the decision was made to open the stadium gates to all fans for a short period of time to prevent stampedes and serious injuries on the perimeter,” a Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson said in a statement. , “There were serious concerns about fans being crushed trying to enter. Law enforcement and security personnel were immediately deployed to the stadium and surrounding area to keep fans as safe as possible in light of this unprecedented situation.”

“We urge fans to listen to law enforcement and security personnel throughout the night for the safety of everyone in attendance.”

Fans were also caught on video breaking into the stadium’s ventilation system.

There was damage inside the stadium also.

“We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game. These incidents are the result of unruly behavior by fans trying to access the stadium,” Miami-Dade Police said in a statement. “We are asking everyone to be patient and follow the rules set forth by our officials and Hard Rock Stadium personnel.

“We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for everyone attending. Unruly behavior will result in you being ejected and/or arrested. To all attendees “We have zero tolerance for unruly conduct.”

CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hard Rock Stadium advised fans before the game not to come to the stadium for the match without tickets. Fans were not allowed to enter through one side of Hard Rock Stadium’s southwest gate, leaving fans stranded at the only available entrance, where fans were slowly entering.

While fans waited outside the stadium gates, a select few were allowed to enter after showing proof of having tickets for the match. Many people reported having trouble breathing due to the overcrowded crowd pushing against each other.

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said his players were trying to talk to family members to see if they were OK during the delay. “It was chaotic. There was a level of concern,” Lorenzo said. “When you play a final, it is decided minute by minute. Then, they tell us we have to wait… It is a complaint but we are not making any excuse for it.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also commented on the situation after the game

Scaloni said, “It is difficult to explain what happened before the game. We had players who were waiting for their families to come to the stadium. We had to start the match without knowing where your family members were We were watching the video…it was very strange.

Maria Morales, a Colombian fan attending the game with three of her friends, said she waited outside for at least two hours before entering. “It was scary,” Morales said. “You get to the point that you’re at a wall (of people) and they’re pushing you and you have no place to go. So even breathing has become difficult. “And with the heat, it’s just too hot.”

CONMEBOL and stadium officials attempted to move media covering the chaos away from the gate to make room for ticket holders.

The few fans who entered the gate celebrated finally making it through. Others were left in tears after the ordeal, which should definitely put FIFA on notice ahead of the World Cup 2026.