The final match of the Copa América between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which Argentina ultimately won 1-0, was marred by chaotic scenes on Sunday after thousands of fans, predominantly Colombian, breached multiple access points in an attempt to enter the venue without tickets.
A viral video showcasing a damaged escalator inside the stadium highlights the extent of the pandemonium that unfolded within. The match, scheduled to start promptly at 8:00 p.m. local time, was delayed by an hour and 22 minutes due to the massive influx of ticketless fans trying to storm the stadium, forcing a lockdown of the gates.
Hours before the game, the security gates of Hard Rock Stadium were overwhelmed by fans attempting to force their way in, causing panic and disarray. This led to many legitimate ticket holders being left outside when the gates were closed. Videos circulated on social media showed fans in Colombia's colors vaulting over barriers and running to evade the police and stadium security.
Some individuals were seen fainting, as revealed by images posted online. Others even managed to enter through the stadium's air conditioning ducts. Shouts and shoving were constant. Reports indicated that some people received medical attention due to the extreme heat, which felt like over 35 degrees Celsius, and the crowded entrances.
The situation escalated to the point where Conmebol issued a statement declaring, "People without tickets will not be allowed to enter the stadium. Only those with purchased tickets will be granted access once the gates are reopened." Despite this, many ticket holders still faced difficulties entering as the crowd had overwhelmed the entrances.
Stadium security and local police were overwhelmed, leading some fans to question whether the United States is prepared to host a World Cup, as planned for 2026. The chaos prompted the police to temporarily close the stadium doors in an attempt to control the crowd. The Miami-Dade County Police Department (MDPD) issued a statement attributing the incidents to "the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium," and warned of "zero tolerance" for rule-breaking, which could result in expulsions and arrests.
The initially sparse stands filled up as fans managed to enter, but the disorder and lack of control were apparent, drawing criticism towards the event's organization and the security arrangements for the Copa América final.
Daniella Levine Cava, the mayor of Miami-Dade County, and James Reyes, the Chief of Public Safety, also commented on the chaos at the Copa América final:
"We are outraged by the unprecedented events at tonight's Copa América final. The final is organized by Conmebol, and the Miami-Dade Police Department provides security support along with other law enforcement agencies," Levine Cava wrote.
"Tonight, the MDPD assigned more than 550 officers to the stadium, including our Priority Response Team, and is utilizing all possible resources to ensure a safe experience for everyone in attendance. Additionally, the MDPD has brought in additional personnel from other jurisdictions to support the safety and well-being of all," she added.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chaos at Copa América Final
Given the chaotic events that transpired during the Copa América final in Miami, many are left with questions regarding the circumstances and the response from authorities.
Why was the Copa América final delayed?
The match was delayed by over an hour due to thousands of fans without tickets attempting to storm the stadium, causing a lockdown of the gates for security reasons.
What measures were taken by the Miami-Dade Police Department?
The MDPD assigned more than 550 officers to the stadium, including their Priority Response Team, and utilized all available resources. They also brought in additional personnel from other jurisdictions to ensure safety.
How did Conmebol respond to the situation?
Conmebol issued a statement declaring that only those with purchased tickets would be allowed entry once the gates were reopened, emphasizing that people without tickets would not be permitted.