Chaotic scene erupts at Copa America final after fans storm gates without tickets
USA TODAY Sports’ Safid Deen describes fans jumping fences and being detained trying to sneak into the Copa America Final between Argentina and Colombia.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Fans without tickets for Sunday’s Copa America final climbed fences and ran past security more than an hour before the Argentina-Colombia match at Hard Rock Stadium. The situation forced a delay in the kickoff of the match to 9:15 p.m. ET.
At least 10-15 people were arrested, one law enforcement officer said. Other fans trying to enter inappropriately have been escorted out of the gate, but not arrested.
At least seven people were seen by USA TODAY Sports receiving treatment by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue near ramps entering the stadium. The people appeared to be in distress with flushed faces and were given bottles of water while sitting on the ground and along a low wall.
Adding to the tension, fans of both teams baked outside the beaming sun and heat, at least more than 90 degrees at the stadium as they waited entry. To help with the heat, a canopy was rolled outside the gate to provide shade. Thick clouds also blocked the sun about 40 minutes before kickoff, but the heat already left its mark on the eager fans.
At 8:11 p.m. local time, the security gates were opened and fans flooded the entrances. It’s unclear whether the fans even got their tickets scanned upon entering.
“In anticipation of tonight’s Copa America Final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk. Security has shut the gates in order to control the entry process at a much slower rate and ensure everyone is kept safe,” a Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson said in a statement. “As a result, tonight’s match start time has been delayed until further notice to accommodate for ticketed fans to be able to safely enter the stadium.”All fans without tickets MUST leave the Hard Rock Stadium premises. It is paramount to a successful and most importantly a safe match.”
Fans were also caught on video sneaking into the stadium’s ventilation system.
“We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game. These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium,” Miami-Dade Police said in a statement. “We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel.
“We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a ZERO TOLERANCE behavior against unruly conduct from everyone attending.”
CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hard Rock Stadium advised fans not visit the stadium for the match without a ticket before the game. Fans were not permitted to enter from one side of the southwest gate at Hard Rock Stadium, leaving fans jumbled at the only available entrance where fans slowly entered.
While fans waited outside the stadium gates, a select handful were allowed to enter after showing proof of having tickets for the match. Multiple people expressed having trouble breathing because of the congested crowds pushing each other.
Maria Morales, a Colombian fan attending the game with her three friends, said she waited outside for at least two hours before entering.“It was scary,” Morales said. “You got to a point that you are at the wall (of people) and they are pushing to you and you don’t have any place to go. So it’s difficult like to breathe. And with the heat, it’s very hot right now.”
CONMEBOL and stadium officials attempted to move media covering the chaos away from the gates to make room for ticket holders.
Some fans entering the gates celebrated for finally making it this through. Others wept with tears after the ordeal, which should surely put FIFA on notice before World Cup 2026.
