The 2024 Copa América final, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, will be remembered not only for Argentina's victory over Colombia but also for the chaotic scenes that unfolded before the match. Thousands of fans crowded the venue, leading to stampedes and a delayed kickoff. Security measures were overwhelmed as people without tickets tried to enter, resulting in injuries and fainting among the crowd.
The game, initially scheduled for 8 p.m., started an hour and twenty-two minutes late. The Miami-Dade Police Department, which had deployed 550 agents, was unable to control the situation. The Democratic mayor of Miami, Daniella Levine Cava, expressed her outrage and announced an investigation into the incidents, highlighting the responsibility of Conmebol, the event's organizer.
Witnesses described the chaos, with some fans climbing fences and even attempting to enter through ventilation ducts. The police used force to manage the crowd, leading to further disorder. Videos and photos of the tumult quickly spread on social media, showing the dire conditions both inside and outside the stadium.
The match eventually began with many fans still outside, having paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for their tickets. Conmebol decided to open the stadium doors to alleviate congestion, allowing many to enter without ticket checks. The situation has raised concerns about the organization and security of future events, especially with the World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States in two years.
Local authorities and the Miami-Dade Police Department have emphasized that the responsibility lies with Conmebol. The aftermath of the event saw stadium cleaning teams working overnight to repair damages, including broken escalators and ventilation ducts. An official response from Conmebol is awaited as investigations continue.
- David Fernandez, a Colombian fan, described the scene as chaotic, with people trying every way to get in. He noted that the doors were opened multiple times, but the situation quickly deteriorated each time.
- Rosy Riales, another supporter, lamented the frustration and impatience of the crowd, suggesting that the doors should have been opened earlier to allow for a smoother entry.
- The incidents at Hard Rock Stadium occurred just two years before the United States is set to co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, raising concerns about the preparedness for such large-scale events.
