Fans without tickets enter stadium before Copa America final; people receive treatment

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.

A stadium spokesman released a statement shortly after 2 a.m. ET Monday, saying stadium officials, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and law enforcement officers decided to open stadium gates to all fans to prevent stampedes and serious injury. The gates were closed after the threat of fans being crushed was alleviated, but the venue was at capacity and gates were not re-opened.

“We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were not able to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed, and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns,” the statement said. “Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority.”

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 collaboration with CONMEBOL and law enforcement officers, the decision was made to open the stadium gates for a short period of time to all fans in order to prevent stampedes and serious injury at the perimeter," a Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson said in a statement. "There was serious concern of fans being crushed in an attempt to enter. Law enforcement and security personnel were immediately deployed throughout 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 all in attendance."

Fans were also caught on video sneaking into the stadium's ventilation system.

There was also damage inside the stadium.

"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.

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said his players were trying to talk to family members to see if they were okay during the delay.“It was chaotic. There was a level of anxiousness,” Lorenzo said. “When you play a final, it’s scheduled minute by minute. Then, they tell us we have to wait… It’s a complaint but we’re not making an excuse out of it.”

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

“It’s tough to explain what happened before the game," Scaloni said. "We had players waiting for their family to get in the stadium. We had to start a match without knowing where your family members are. We were watching the videos. … it was very weird.”

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.