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Copa America (Source: X)
The Copa América final in Miami was chaotic in the hours leading up to kickoff. Hundreds, if not thousands of supporters were stopped outside the gates of Hard Rock Stadium while security attempted and seemingly failed to control the influx of spectators for Sunday's Argentina vs. Colombia match.
All stadium gates had been locked at 7:30 p.m. (ET)., 30 minutes ahead of the original 8 p.m. (ET) start time, and the organizers said that kickoff would now take place at least 8:30 p.m (ET). Before kickoff, dozens of supporters barged into Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, home of Sunday's Copa America final, creating a chaotic scene, according to reports.
Watch here the video:
🚨 Colombian fans are trying to enter the stadium without the tickets. 🇨🇴
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 14, 2024
🎥 @DiarioOle
pic.twitter.com/V5Uz668DkO
The main entry gates were closed for over an hour after they were supposed to open at 5 p.m. local time, keeping hundreds of supporters waiting for the Argentina vs. Colombia match. The gates had been kept locked, according to security personnel who spoke with AFP, since spectators had tried to barge into the stadium every time they had been opened.
It's unclear how many people, who were likely not in possession of tickets, had allegedly broken through at least one access gate hours earlier. As they moved in a stream toward the stadium concourse, security, and law enforcement officers pursued them.
Argentina hoping to defend their title
In the blazing heat of South Florida, a few people were observed seeking water and obtaining medical attention. Many supporters had already made it to their seats when officers managed to shove the crowd behind black gates and seal down the entry, preventing anybody from entering.
Argentina was hoping to defend their title in the South American tournament final, which was anticipated to draw a sellout audience of over 65,000. It's unclear which of the people who entered amid the surge had match tickets. The regulatory organization of South America, CONMEBOL, issued a statement the day before alerting spectators to the fact that tickets are required for entry to the site.