MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — A fan who did not have a ticket for Sunday's Copa America final scaled a fence and slipped past security guards more than an hour before Argentina faced Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium, forcing the start of the match to be delayed until 9:15 p.m. ET.
A stadium spokesman issued a statement just after 2 a.m. ET on Monday saying stadium officials, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and police officials had decided to open the stadium's gates to all fans to prevent crowd stampedes and serious injuries. The gates were closed after the risk of fans being crushed was abated, but the venue was full and the gates were not reopened.
“We understand that some ticket holders will be disappointed that they will not be able to enter the stadium once the borders are closed and we will be working with CONMEBOL to address their individual concerns,” the statement said. “Ultimately, nothing is more important than the health and safety of all our guests and staff, which will always remain our number one priority.”
One police officer said at least 10 to 15 people were arrested, while other fans who were trying to enter illegally were escorted through the gates but not arrested.
USA TODAY Sports saw at least seven people being treated by Miami-Dade Firefighters near the stadium's entrance. People appeared to be in pain, with red faces, and were given bottles of water while sitting on the ground or along a low wall.
Adding to the tension, fans from both teams were subjected to scorching sun and heat while waiting to enter the stadium. The temperature inside the stadium was at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A shade canopy was hung outside the gates to provide some relief. Heavy clouds blocked the sun about 40 minutes before kickoff, but the heat was already taking its toll on the enthusiastic fans.
At 8:11pm local time, security was opened and fans flooded the entrance. It is unclear whether fans had their tickets scanned upon entry.
“In collaboration with CONMEBOL and police, the decision was made to open the stadium gates to all fans for a short period of time to prevent stampedes and serious injuries around the stadium,” a Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson said in a statement. “There were serious concerns that fans could be crushed attempting to enter. Given this unprecedented situation, police and security personnel were immediately deployed throughout the stadium and surrounding areas to ensure fans are kept as safe as possible.”
“For the safety of everyone in the venue, we ask that fans follow the instructions of police and security throughout the night.”
A fan was also caught on video sneaking into the stadium's ventilation system.
There was also damage inside the stadium.
“Several incidents occurred prior to the opening of the gates at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final. These incidents are the result of disorderly behavior by fans attempting to enter the stadium,” Miami-Dade Police said in a statement. “We ask everyone to be patient and follow the rules set forth by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel.”
“We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to provide a safe environment for all attendees. Any disruptive behavior will result in removal or arrest. We have a zero tolerance policy for disruptive behavior from all attendees.”
CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hard Rock Stadium advised fans not to come to the stadium without a ticket prior to the game, and fans were not allowed to enter through one side of Hard Rock Stadium's southwest gate, causing confusion and a slow entry for fans at the only available entrance.
While fans waited outside the stadium gates – a select few were allowed in by proving they had tickets to the match – many complained of breathing difficulties as the dense crowds jostled and jostled.
Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said players had been trying to contact their families during the delay to make sure they were OK. “There was chaos, there was anxiety,” Lorenzo said. “In a final, every minute is scheduled, and then you're told you have to wait… It's frustrating, but it's not an excuse.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also commented on the situation after the match.
“It's hard to explain what happened before the game,” Scaloni said. “The players were waiting for their families to enter the stadium. We had to start the game without knowing where their families were. We were watching the video. … It was very strange.”
María Morales, a Colombian fan who was watching the game with three friends, said she waited outside for at least two hours to get in. “It was scary,” Morales said. “We were pushed up against a wall, they were pushing us, we had no way to escape. It was hard to breathe. And then there's the heat, it's so hot right now.”
CONMEBOL and stadium officials tried to move media covering the unrest away from the gates to make room for ticket holders.
Some fans at the gates celebrated making it to the finals, while others were in tears after the ordeal, which will surely send a warning signal to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
