The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by over an hour on Sunday after thousands of ticketless fans tried to force their way into the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The chaos led to a significant disruption as security struggled to manage the situation.
Videos on social media showed security personnel clashing with fans attempting to breach the stadium gates. Both teams were taken off the field as officials worked to control the disorder outside. The gates were closed, and a lockdown was initiated, leaving many people outside trying to gain entry.
South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, postponed the match’s start time three times, finally kicking off at 9:15 p.m. “We inform that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium,” CONMEBOL stated on X, formerly Twitter. “Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter the stadium once the entrances are reopened.”
ESPN reported that fans with tickets were allowed to enter one at a time at certain gates. A Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson described the situation: “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.”
Miami-Dade police reported several incidents before the gates were opened. “These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium,” they said on social media. “We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel.”
Fox News quoted a police officer stating that the situation outside the stadium had not improved. CONMEBOL had tightened security following the semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia, where Uruguayan players clashed with Colombian fans post-match.
Adding to the evening’s drama, Shakira’s halftime show was set to last 20 minutes, which Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo criticized, arguing that the extended break could impact players’ fitness. Despite the challenges, the teams eventually lined up for the national anthems, and the match proceeded under heightened security measures.
